IT IS OFFICIAL: AUSTRALIA BANS SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UNDER-16S IN WORLD-FIRST MOVE. (PHOTO).

-


 Australia bans social media for under-16s in world-first move

 Australia has implemented a sweeping ban on social media use for children under 16, marking a world-first move aimed at curbing teenage addiction to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Under the new rules, social media companies and popular websites face fines of up to AU$49.5 million ($33 million) if they allow underage users to maintain accounts. The government says the measures are necessary to shield children from harmful content, including bullying, sexual material, and online predators. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that social media “is often used as a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, and a tool for online predators.”

The law, effective Wednesday, immediately blocks hundreds of thousands of teenagers from accessing the apps they used daily. Platforms affected include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, Threads, and X. Parents and advocates have largely welcomed the ban, citing concerns over mental health risks and tragic cases of cyberbullying.

Experts note that research links excessive social media use to negative impacts on teen well-being, though isolating its effects from other lifestyle factors remains challenging. While some parents see the ban as a long-overdue safeguard, tech-savvy teens worldwide are watching Australia’s experiment closely, with some expressing frustration about losing access to key social networks.

Social media companies have criticized the ban as rushed and have indicated plans to comply while exploring legal challenges. Platforms will be responsible for verifying users’ ages, using methods such as AI-based photo analysis or government ID uploads. The list of banned platforms may evolve, with some apps like Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp currently exempt but under government review.

Australia’s move is likely to influence global debates on youth internet safety, with countries such as New Zealand and Malaysia considering similar restrictions. While authorities acknowledge the ban is not foolproof, it sets a significant precedent in regulating social media’s impact on young users.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SHAKIRA COVERS WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE,APRIL ISSUE.

-
Image
             Gerard Pique,welcomed their first child into the world last year January.Shakira told the magazine that ''I think it takes two to keep it passionate in relationships,a lot of laughter and a lot of fun moments together,that's essential but also affinity,you know.You have to be compatible.I'm really happy where i am right now,with the person that i'm with right now.He seems to want the same things i want,and that's very important''.More pictures below.                                                                                                                    
Read more

INNOSON GIVES OUT BRAND NEW IVM G5 AND SALARY FOR LIFE TO THE MAN WHO PROPHESIED ABOUT HIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IN 1979.(PHOTO).

-
Image
Innoson Gives Out Brand New IVM G5 and Salary For Life To The Man Who Prophesied About His Vehicle Manufacturing In 1979.  Last Saturday, July 22nd the Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd, Chief Dr Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma OFR gave out a brand new Innoson IVM G5 to Mr Ikechukwu Osakwe popularly known as Osabros who prophesied to him in 1979 that he would be the first man in Africa to manufacture vehicles and sell to different African countries.  The prophecy was given at the period the then Innocent Chukwuma could not boast of a car, talk less of manufacturing one. According to Dr Chukwuma during the presentation of the car, he recalled on how Mr Ikechukwu Osakwe all the way from Kano blocked him at the front of his house early in the morning and told him he has a message for him.  Mr Osakwe went on to narrate a dream he had about him, how he saw in the said dream his vehicle manufacturing company known as CAP PLC. "He told me that CAP means Chukwuma ...
Read more

THE NEW OONI OF ILE-IFE,WILL NOT EAT THE HEART OF THE LATE OONI-PALACE CHIEFS.

-
Image
                           According to the Araba of Osogboland Chief Yemi Elebuibon,debunk the rumors that the new Ooni will eat the heart of the late Ooni of Ife as custom demands,so he cleared the air when he recently said that ''The heart of the late king would not be fed to the next Ooni.The eating of the heart of a departed King by an incoming one belonged to the past.It no longer exists.People still make this insinuation because many are barred from witnessing the burial of a king.What the incoming king will eat is the heart of an animal and not that of a human.Nobody will be buried with the Ooni.Nobody would be killed for any form o sacrifice''.Thank God he clarified the part that no one will be buried with the Ooni,because the rumors going round is that the Sarun,otherwise known as Abobakun,is on the run,to escape being buried with the late Ooni of Ife.Lowa Adimula of Ife,Oba Joseph Ijaodola,who is the Head o...
Read more