Australia's world-first social media ban for children has taken effect, with throngs of teenagers waking up to find their accounts have gone dark. Others tell BBC they have already snuck past barriers and will continue scrolling and posting freely until they are caught. The new law means social media firms - including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube - must take 'reasonable steps' to ensure Australians aged under 16 don't hold accounts on their platforms.
The ban, eyed with excitement by global leaders and trepidation by tech companies, was justified as necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms - though critics have argued blanket prohibition is neither practical nor wise. This landmark policy has been one of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's pet projects, indicating that he believes it has the power to change lives around the world.
Polling shows the ban is popular with parents, but far less so with children, highlighting a generational divide on the issue. Mental health advocates warn that it may isolate vulnerable groups and limit important social connections. As the Australian government begins enforcing this controversial legislation, many are watching closely to see how it unfolds and whether other nations will follow suit.
The ban, eyed with excitement by global leaders and trepidation by tech companies, was justified as necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms - though critics have argued blanket prohibition is neither practical nor wise. This landmark policy has been one of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's pet projects, indicating that he believes it has the power to change lives around the world.
Polling shows the ban is popular with parents, but far less so with children, highlighting a generational divide on the issue. Mental health advocates warn that it may isolate vulnerable groups and limit important social connections. As the Australian government begins enforcing this controversial legislation, many are watching closely to see how it unfolds and whether other nations will follow suit.
