Australia Imposes Under-16 Social Media Ban from December 10

Australia has announced a landmark policy requiring social media companies to block users under 16 from creating accounts and to deactivate existing underage accounts starting 10 December. Aimed at protecting children from harmful online content and excessive screen time, the rule targets major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. The move follows a government study showing that 96% of children aged 10–15 use social media, with many exposed to cyberbullying, grooming, harmful videos and mental health–related content. Platforms failing to comply may face penalties of up to $49.5 million.