Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media, ordering major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook to block access from midnight Wednesday.
Ten major platforms have been told to face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) if they enforce age restrictions. The new rules have been opposed by several technology companies and free speech groups, but many parents and child protection groups have welcomed the move.
The measure has attracted global attention as governments seek new ways to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and safety of young people. Some countries are reportedly considering their own legislation based on Australia’s approach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged children to use the upcoming holidays to get away from screens in a video message that Sky News Australia said would be shown in schools. “Rather than spending time scrolling on your phone, take up a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that’s been sitting on your bookshelf for a while,” he said. “And importantly, spending quality time face-to-face with friends and family.”
The decision ended a year-long debate over whether governments can effectively prevent minors from accessing platforms that many see as an essential part of modern life. It will also launch a large-scale test case for lawmakers in other countries who want stronger action from the tech industry on child safety.
Australian Christian Lobby CEO Michelle Pearce welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step forward in protecting children online”.
“This move addresses well-documented concerns about children’s vulnerabilities on these platforms, including exposure to predators, pornography and other harmful content, and the increased risk of mental health issues associated with social media use,” she said.
Of the affected platforms, all except Elon Musk’s Mr Musk publicly claimed that the initiative “looks like a backdoor way to control access to the internet for all Australians”. A high court challenge supported by Libertarian lawmakers is pending.
Tech companies insist the rules won’t significantly reduce ad revenue, and warn that it will disrupt their pipeline of future users, even though only a small portion of them are children under 16. The government reported that just before the ban came into effect, 86% of Australians aged eight to 15 were using social media.
The government said the list of restricted platforms will be updated as new services emerge and usage patterns change.
