Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, as a new law took effect at midnight. The ban covers platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch and Kick. Under the new rules, technology companies must take “reasonable steps” to block underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a video message, encouraged young people to spend the summer holidays offline by reading, learning new skills and spending more time with family and friends. He said the law was introduced to “have parents’ backs” amid rising concerns about online harm among teenagers.The BBC reports that the legislation, which has bipartisan support, follows months of debate on how best to curb cyberbullying, harmful content and digital addiction. A government-backed trial concluded that age-verification technology could effectively enforce the restriction.

However, the ban is already being challenged in Australia’s High Court. Two 15-year-olds, supported by the Digital Freedom Project, filed a lawsuit arguing that the law violates their right to free communication.

The advocacy group warned that children with disabilities, indigenous young people, LGBTQ+ teenagers and those in remote communities could become more isolated. For 15-year-old Melbourne student Ezra Sholl, who is quadriplegic, social media remains a vital tool for connection. “Banning social media will make my world smaller,” he said, arguing that the government should target harmful algorithms instead of excluding young people entirely.

Twelve-year-old Paloma from Sydney also expressed concern, saying the ban cuts her off from creative communities and friendships built on Snapchat and TikTok.

Despite the criticisms, some parents and safety advocates welcome the new law. Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter Tilly died by suicide after online bullying, described the measure as “protection” rather than control. She praised the government for resisting pressure from major tech companies such as Meta and X.Supporters also believe the restrictions could reduce exposure to violent, misogynistic and addictive content often served to teenagers.

The legislation has attracted global attention, with many asking whether other countries will adopt similar measures. In the United Kingdom, however, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there were “no current plans” to introduce such a ban, noting that the UK’s Online Safety Act already provides strong protections for children without cutting them off from digital services.

Countries including France, Denmark, Spain and Malaysia are considering new age thresholds or parental-consent rules, but none has implemented a ban as sweeping as Australia’s.