By Rosemary Etim Bassey
Australia has begun a new law that bans children under the age of 16 from using social media.
Because of the law, many teenagers woke up to find their social media accounts no longer working. Some children, however, said they have found ways to get around the ban and are still using the apps.
The law requires social media companies such as Meta, TikTok and YouTube to make sure children under 16 do not have accounts on their platforms. If the companies fail to follow the rule, they could face heavy fines.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban is meant to protect children from harmful content online. He described the new law as an important step and said it could inspire other countries.
“This is Australia saying enough is enough,” he said.
Australia is the first country to introduce such a strict rule. Unlike other places, parents are not allowed to give permission for children under 16 to use social media. Countries like Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore and Brazil are watching closely to see how the law works.
Australia’s online safety regulator, Julie Inman Grant, said her office will begin checking if social media companies are obeying the law. She added that parents and children will not be punished; only the companies will.
Many parents support the ban and believe it will help reduce cyberbullying and protect children online. Some children also welcome the move. A 12-year-old student, Florence Brodribb, said social media can affect young people’s minds and that children deserve better protection.
However, not everyone agrees. Some teenagers worry the ban will make it harder to stay in touch with friends, especially those who live far away. Experts also fear children may still find unsafe ways to go online.
The Australian government has admitted the law may not work perfectly at first but says it is an important start
