Australia has announced a complete ban on social media for children under 16 years of age regarding the online safety of children. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clearly said that this law was very important to protect the mental health and development of children. The new rule will come into effect from December 2025 and after this, no child below 16 years of age will be able to create an account on any major social media platform nor will any old account be able to operate it.

What does the new law say?
The Australian Government has introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, according to which it will be illegal for any child in the country to use social media before the age of 16 years. This means that the platform will have to close all such accounts whose user age is less than 16 years. The government says that this law has been made to protect children from the increasing dangers on the internet.

The ban will apply to which social media platforms?
The government has clarified that this rule will apply to almost all major social media platforms. These include platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick. Keeping an existing account, operating it or creating a new account of any user below the age limit on these platforms will be considered a violation of the law. These platforms will also have to implement stringent verification systems to identify the age of children.

PM Anthony Albanese’s statement
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that this law is extremely important for the safety of children. He said, ‘This step is to keep our children safe online. The digital world cannot exist at the expense of children’s mental health or their development. He said that the government wants to ensure that the Internet becomes a means of education and entertainment for children, but does not become a threat to their health.

Concern increased due to studies
The government also said that many studies conducted around the world have found that social media addiction is increasing rapidly among children and teenagers. Research has revealed that continuous viewing of screens spoils children’s sleep, increases their anxiety and restlessness, and reduces their ability to concentrate.

When will the new law come into force?
The Australian Government has announced that this law will come into effect from December 10, 2025. After this, no social media platform will be able to provide its services to users below 16 years of age. The platform will also have to adopt new technologies for age identification and verification by making changes in its system.

Under a law, which is going to be implemented in the next four months in Australia, children below 16 years of age will be banned using social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Ticketkock, Instagram, X (East Twitter), Redit and YouTube.

The federal government has said that social media companies will have to take “appropriate steps” by December 10 to remove the social media accounts of these minor users and to prevent them from creating new accounts through age verification software. With the permission of parents under this law, children will not be able to reach these social media forums.

Controversy continues but ban fixed
There is a sharp debate across the country over the possible benefits and disadvantages regarding this decision. Some experts believe that through social media, youth express themselves, make their identity and feel social engagement. In a society where two out of every five children feel alone, this connection can be quite important. On the other hand, the possibility of social media addiction and being deprived of enjoying it inspires children to spend a lot of time on these social media forums.

Experts suggestions
Experts have shared five suggestions for parents, so that they can prepare their children for this ban to be implemented from December 10.

1) Do not wait for the ban date till December 10-a sudden distance from social media for children can prove to be a shock. Therefore, parents should start a conversation on this subject with children from now on. Tell them why this ban is being imposed and what effect it will have on their life.

2) Slowly distance from social media, slowly reducing screen time will help children to keep pace with change. The time spent on social media every week can be reduced by 25 percent and can be completely closed in a month.

3) Give option options instead of removal-as an alternative to social media, collective activities, collective sports, creative interests such as arts, music, handicrafts or volunteers can be included. This will provide children opportunities to express their social connections and express their identity.

4) Promote offline relations-motivate children to actively participate in the community other than social media. Creating offline groups, where children can connect face to face, can be a positive change. Such groups can help each other stay away from social media.

5) Be an example themselves-children learn by looking at their parents’ behavior. Parents should also limit screen time, prioritize face-to-face relations and join regular offline activities. Experts believe that this ban can be an opportunity, so that children learn to balance digital life and real life. Although it will not be easy to implement, but premature preparation can reduce its effect.

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