The Australian government implemented a law on December 10, 2025, prohibiting social media access for individuals under 16 years of age. Social media companies are required to take reasonable measures to prevent underage users from joining their platforms, facing fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately £24.5 million) for non-compliance. In the initial days following the law’s enactment, about 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under 16 were deactivated, removed, or restricted. Importantly, the legislation does not impose penalties on children or parents who violate the ban, focusing solely on social media companies to enforce the rules.
Why It Matters
This legislation is part of a broader global trend to enhance online safety for minors, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth mental health. Previous studies have linked excessive social media use among children to issues such as anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. By enacting this law, Australia joins other countries in addressing the potential harms of social media, aiming to create safer online environments for children. The significant number of deactivated accounts shortly after the law’s implementation illustrates the scale of underage social media usage and the challenges in regulating access effectively.
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