Australia has become the first country in the world to ban social media access for teenagers under the age of 16, introducing a landmark measure aimed at protecting young users from online harm.
The new policy bars children below 16 from creating or accessing accounts on major social media platforms. Authorities said the decision follows growing concerns over the impact of social media on mental health, exposure to harmful content and risks related to privacy and online safety.
Under the new framework, platforms will be required to implement strict age‑verification systems to prevent underage users from signing up. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties under Australia’s strengthened online safety regulations.
The government said the move is part of a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for children and reduce the influence of social media during formative years. Additional guidelines and enforcement mechanisms are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
