Outback Protests: Teens Battle Australia's Social Media Ban

Australian teenagers are challenging a pioneering social media ban that prevents those under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms. While parents and advocacy groups argue for safety, some teens claim their rights are violated. A High Court case in Sydney aims to overturn the law.

In the remote landscape of Australia's Outback, a new law imposing social media bans on children under 16 is stirring unease among both teenagers and their parents. The legislation, which takes effect Wednesday, will hold platforms accountable with hefty fines if they fail to remove underage accounts.

Schoolboy Riley Allen, living on a sheep ranch far from his friends, voices concerns over maintaining connections. While his mother adheres to the law, others might not. Teachers and families grapple with the implications, questioning how students will negotiate social interactions and educational uses cut short by the ban.

Meanwhile, in Sydney, teenagers like Noah Jones are taking legal steps to challenge the ban, arguing it violates free communication rights. They are backed by advocacy groups who believe that an outright ban is not the solution. The case could set a precedent in balancing safety with digital freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)