Social Media Farewell: Australian Teens Say Goodbye as Ban Takes Hold

Australian teenagers bid farewell to social media as the nation enforces a groundbreaking ban on platforms for users under 16. This unprecedented move affects over a million young users, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, as they express a mix of emotions in their final posts.

In an unprecedented move, Australian teenagers have been taking to social media one last time before a historic ban cuts access to platforms they have grown up with. The ban, effective from Wednesday, targets teenagers under 16, forcing them to bid emotional farewells online.

The Australian government has demanded ten major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, block roughly a million young users or face hefty fines. This has already resulted in deactivating 200,000 TikTok accounts, with more to follow.

Responses have varied, with many expressing sadness and disbelief, while others see this as a necessary change. Some teens shifted to alternative platforms unaffected by the ban, while prominent figures like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have faced backlash, losing thousands of followers.

(With inputs from agencies.)