History has been made in Australia as a groundbreaking new law officially prohibits children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms — a move aimed at protecting young users from online harm.
Effective from midnight in Sydney, the rule impacts more than five million minors, including around one million aged 10–15. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Kick, and Twitch are now off-limits for anyone below 16.
Parents can breathe a little easier knowing that child-safe and educational services — like YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp — remain accessible.
Under the new law, tech companies must actively prevent underage access or face fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance. Officials also confirmed that the list of restricted platforms will be reviewed regularly.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the government’s stance, declaring:
“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it.”
The move positions Australia as a global leader in online child safety — but sparks big questions about digital rights, enforcement, and the future of teens online.
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