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.