children online protection
Australia Implements Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s Following Mother's Advocacy After Son's Suicide
Dec 01, 2025 03:56 pm CST
Australia is set to introduce world-first legislation banning under-16s from social media platforms following advocacy by Mia Bannister, whose teenage son died by suicide after experiencing online bullying and content that fueled his eating disorder. The new laws, effective December 10, will impose fines up to $32 million on companies failing to keep children off their platforms, though questions remain about implementation and effectiveness as experts debate whether restrictions or improved safety features offer better protection.
Australia's Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s: How It Works and What It Means Globally
Oct 17, 2025 12:46 pm CST
Australia's pioneering social media ban for under-16s takes effect December 10, 2024, prohibiting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok from allowing young teens to create accounts. This groundbreaking legislation aims to protect children from cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and harmful content, while requiring platforms to implement age verification systems. Despite mixed reactions about privacy concerns and enforceability, the law represents a potential global shift in regulating children's social media access, with countries like New Zealand and Denmark already following Australia's lead.