Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media

There is a big change online. Australia has banned children under 16 from using many social media sites. New laws say the under-16s cannot open accounts with famous sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. It is the responsibility of these companies to make sure their users are aged 16 or above. Australia said it would fine companies if they allowed children to access their sites. The fines are up to $33 million. The companies said they would use different methods to check the age of their users. New users will have to upload identification and scan their faces.

Australia's Prime Minister said social media is harming young minds. A study showed that 70 per cent of children aged 10-15 who used social media looked at harmful content. This included information about violence, eating disorders, and suicide. He told children to do different things, like starting a new sport or learning to play a musical instrument. He told children to "spend quality time" with family and friends, "face to face". Many children said they would be lonelier without social media. Two 15-year-olds are suing the government for taking away their "right to free communication".