Anthony Albanese has officially announced that today marks a momentous day as the world’s first ban on social media accounts for under-16s comes into effect.
The new establishes a mandatory minimum age of 16 s for accounts on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube.
As reported by the BBC, an Australian teen shows the news organization her social media accounts as the ban comes into effect.
On the contrary, affected teens have mixed views, with some “insulted” and others saying they'll immediately get over it.
The government says that the ban is aimed at protecting young people from harmful content, but some commentators suggest it could isolate troubled teenagers and push children into uncharted internet.
According to the Australian government, revolutionary measures are needed to safeguard children from “predatory algorithms” filling phone screens with bullying and violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in advance of the ban, “Too often, social media isn’t social at all.”
He further explained, “Instead it’s used as a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver for anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and worst of all, a tool for online predators.
Today is the first day of the country’s social media ban. Here's how the new law will apply to teenagers under 16 who are visiting Australia.
It is pertinent to note that anyone under the age of 16 who is “ordinarily a resident in Australia is banned from having an account on the ten platforms covered by the ban.”
A spokesperson for the eSafety Commissioner says, “Tech companies will use various signals beyond just the current physical location to identify an individual's usual country of residence.”
This specifically means that if a teenager is visiting Australia for a short period, they shouldn't be blocked from their accounts.
Temporary visa holders who are under the age of 16 in Australia, such as international students, might be asked to undergo age assessment or could have their accounts deactivated if platforms identify those residing in Australia for an extended period.
As experts continue to debate the effects of the ban, Australian clinical psychiatrist Dr Christian Heim is clear in his view, stating: “The ban will literally save lives.”
The ban is an unrefined approach that carries significant unintended consequences. Some are of the view that instead of an outright ban, a more subtle approach would better balance protection and inclusion, giving young people the space to learn individually online.
The recent ban represents a powerful yet controversial intervention by the government, fundamentally prioritizing the protection of children’s mental development over digital connectivity.
Nonetheless, the future implications for the mental health and social lives of Australia teens remains a matter of social experiment for lawmakers globally.
