Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the landmark law aims to protect minors from cyberbullying, addiction, and harmful online content.
Australia has announced a nationwide ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16, in a bold move to protect minors from online dangers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the new rule—part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024—will take effect from December 10, 2025.
Under the legislation, it will be illegal for anyone under 16 to create or maintain accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and Kick.
Albanese wrote on X, “We’re banning social media for under-16s to keep them safe online.”
The Australian government stated that the ban is designed to tackle cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the addictive nature of algorithms, which experts say are harming children’s mental health.
The landmark decision has stirred global debate, with many calling it a model for stricter online safety regulations worldwide.
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