Australia Bans Social Media for Kids Under 16

Australia has passed a new law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and X. The ban will take effect in 12 months. 

Many researches has said that many children under the age of 16 who use social media platforms for more than two or three hours are dealing with the depression which is twice higher as the normal humans. 

The government introduced the law after studies showed that excessive social media use doubles the risk of depression in kids. Both major political parties supported the bill in Parliament.

Tech companies including Meta have criticized the move calling it unfair. The law requires platforms to enforce strict age limits with fines of up to $50 million AUD for non-compliance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs.”