Australia Leads Global Crackdown: Social Media Ban for Under-16s Begins

Australia has implemented the world's first ban on social media for children under 16, impacting major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Other countries are following suit with varying age-based regulations amid rising concerns over children's health and digital safety.

Australia on Wednesday implemented a historic social media ban for minors under the age of 16, becoming the first country worldwide to enforce such stringent measures. This regulation, targeting tech giants like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, arrives as a response to growing global concerns over children's health and safety online.

Following Australia's lead, numerous countries are considering or have already enacted similar laws. In Denmark, Parliament is set to vote on a proposal to ban social media access for children under 15, with parent-approved exceptions starting at age 13. Meanwhile, France, Germany, and Norway have implemented or are seeking to establish parental consent laws for minors, aiming to protect youth against unwanted online exposures.

Despite these measures, enforcement remains a challenge due to technical difficulties. Meanwhile, social media platforms claim to self-police access by requiring a minimum age of 13 for account creation, a standard criticized by child protection advocates as inadequate amidst evidence of younger users online.

(With inputs from agencies.)