00:00Australia launches youth social media ban. Australia is set to become the first nation in the world to impose a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, with the law taking effect Wednesday.
00:13The move will lead to the removal of more than 1 million accounts belonging to kids and teens, and has sparked an international debate closely watched by parents, policymakers, and tech companies.
00:24Under the new law, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and X must take reasonable steps to ensure no one under 16 can create an account.
00:37Existing accounts belonging to underage users must also be deactivated.
00:42Meta began removing accounts on December 4th ahead of the deadline.
00:45The law passed with overwhelming public support. A YouGov poll showed 77% of Australians backed the measure.
00:51Government officials argue the ban is necessary to protect children from addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, harmful content, and online grooming.
01:00Communications Minister Anika Wells said the policy aims to prevent children from being drawn into a purgatory of constant online use,
01:08noting former tech insiders' warnings that some platform features are built to be highly addictive.
01:13Parents who support the ban point to visible declines in children's mental and emotional well-being.
01:18Sydney father Danny Alachi said his daughter withdrew after getting a phone at 10.
01:23She's now off social media and urges others to do the same.
01:26But opponents argue the ban goes too far.
01:30Two 15-year-olds have filed a legal challenge, claiming it violates their right to free political communication.
01:36Teens interviewed by local media said the ban will likely drive young people to VPN, or less-regulated platforms.
01:42Social media companies warn it could isolate teens rather than protect them.
01:46A government study found 96% of Australian kids aged 10 to 15 use social media.
01:54Many reported exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, or grooming behaviors.
01:59Despite backlash, the government remains firm.
02:03Whether other countries adopt similar laws remains an open question.
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