Australia has become the first country in the world to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is proud to introduce this landmark rule, which officially came into effect on December 9. Major platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are now required to block young users from accessing their services.
Several countries have been exploring ways to protect children online, using methods like age-verification systems, parental approvals, content restrictions or stricter app-store rules. However, Australia’s decision marks one of the strongest steps taken so far, driven by long-standing concerns about how digital platforms affect children’s mental and emotional development.
Other nations have taken different approaches. The UK’s Online Safety Act demands stronger protections for minors but does not set a minimum age for using social networks. China continues to operate its highly controlled “Great Firewall,” which blocks most international platforms altogether. In the US, the COPPA law focuses on privacy for young users but does not regulate access, leaving individual states to create their own rules.
Experts say Australia’s move could influence several countries, including India. Counselling psychologist Dr. Monica Sudhir told TOI that she regularly sees children developing serious behavioural issues due to excessive screen time and social media addiction. She warned that while the new law is a crucial step, legislation alone cannot solve the deeper social and psychological challenges children face today.
