Australian lawmakers have passed a new law banning under 16s from using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. The legislation aims to protect young teens from peer pressure, anxiety, scammers, and online predators. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has been a vocal supporter of the ban, encouraging parents to support the move. While the ban is one of the strictest in the world, there are concerns about how it will be enforced and whether it will be effective in practice.
The social media companies could face fines of up to Aus$50 million for failing to comply with the new rules. However, many young Australians are not happy about the ban, with some saying they will find ways around it. Others believe that social media can have educational benefits, such as watching tutorials about baking or art.
Despite the concerns, the Australian government has emphasized the importance of protecting young people online and promoting digital literacy. The legislation will be closely monitored by other countries considering similar bans. Spain and Florida are among those that have proposed similar restrictions, but none have been implemented yet. China has also implemented limits on social media and online gaming for minors since 2021.
Overall, the new law in Australia represents a significant step towards regulating social media use among young teens, but questions remain about its impact and enforcement.
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