Australia just hit pause on under-16s' social feeds! On Wednesday, the world's first law banning kids from owning accounts on 10 major platforms took effect. 📱❌ Whether you're into TikTok dances or YouTube binge-watching, the rule means under-16s need to find new ways to fill their downtime.
The law, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, was passed by federal parliament in November last year. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit now must take reasonable steps to stop under-16s from signing up or face fines up to A$49.5 million (US$32.8 million). 😲
Despite the heavy penalties, the ban doesn't punish teens or their carers for logging back in. It's all on the platforms to enforce the age limit.
In a video message to students on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged young Australians to swap screen time for real-world fun. He encouraged them to start a new sport, learn an instrument or read a book gathering dust, and most importantly, spend face-to-face time with friends and family. 🏀🎸📚
Public support is strong—73 percent of Australians back the ban—but confidence in its success is low, with only 26 percent believing it will work and 68 percent expecting kids to find workarounds. Teachers (84 percent) and parents (75 percent) are the biggest fans, while support dips to 62 percent among 16- to 24-year-olds.
Most platforms have pushed back, warning the ban could be tricky to implement and might drive teens into the internet's darker corners. Reddit says it will comply but questions the law's scope, effectiveness and privacy implications.
Meanwhile, other countries are watching closely. Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia and New Zealand are reportedly weighing similar moves to protect young users online.
Will Australia's social media timeout for teens be a digital win or a loophole-filled learning curve? Only time will tell! ⏳
Reference(s):
Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s takes effect
cgtn.com
