Explained: Why Has Australia Banned Social Media For Under 16s And Will Other Countries Follow? | 4K

Kids in Australia will no longer be able to have accounts on social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat as Australia’s under-16 social media ban kicks in. The new law, which was passed by parliament in 2024, intends to shield children from harmful online content and addictive algorithms, as well as reduce cyberbullying and grooming. It comes amid rising self-harm rates among Gen-Z Australians. The legislation, widely described as a “world-first” blanket ban, has inspired a number of other countries to consider similar restrictions on youth social media access. It represents a growing momentum to get to grips with a slew of social problems that are attributed to excessive social media use. But it may also mean cutting youth off from an important source of information, outlet for self-expression, and online community. n18oc_crux | n18oc_world