Australia Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a plan to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, receiving unanimous support from leaders of all eight states and territories. The legislation, which is set to be introduced in November, will make social media platforms responsible for enforcing this age limit. This initiative aims to address rising concerns about the mental health impacts, privacy violations, and cyberbullying associated with social media use among minors. Critics, including over 140 academics, argue that the ban is a blunt tool that may not effectively address these issues and could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased underground use of social media among teens. The government is allowing a year for platforms to implement age verification systems before the law takes effect. Despite opposition, the main political party has indicated support for the measure, suggesting it will likely pass in Parliament.