Australia has officially become the first country in the world to prohibit children under 16 from using social media, with the landmark law taking effect from Wednesday.
Major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X must now block underage users or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million per breach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as a proud moment for Australian families, emphasising that the country is reclaiming control from big technology companies.
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“This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies,” Albanese told ABC News.
He stressed that while new technology brings benefits, people must remain in charge of their own future.
In a video message to be shown in schools this week, the Prime Minister encouraged children to pick up a new sport, learn a musical instrument, or finally read that book collecting dust on the shelf.
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Ten major platforms were required to cut access from midnight Tuesday, though companies have criticised the law and free speech advocates raised concerns.
X, owned by Elon Musk, confirmed compliance despite earlier reluctance, stating clearly: “It’s not our choice – it’s what the Australian law requires.”
Companies will use a combination of behavioural analysis, selfie-based age estimation, and in some cases official ID or bank details to enforce the restrictions.
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Just before the ban, 86 percent of Australian children aged eight to 15 were active on social media.
Some teenagers worry the restrictions will increase isolation, especially for queer youth and those with niche interests who rely on online communities.
Fourteen-year-old Annie Wang said the loss of platforms where young people vent feelings or seek help could worsen mental health for many.
The Australian experiment is being closely watched by governments from Denmark to New Zealand and Malaysia, all considering similar age limits in the year ahead.
