Australia’s social media ban for under-16s starts today. Here is what you should know

Australia’s social media ban for people aged under 16 has officially started, marking a world-first push to protect children from phone addiction and online harms.  From now on, a group of social media platforms will face penalties of up to $50 million if they do not take “reasonable steps” to prevent children and teenagers aged under 16 from holding a social media account. In a video address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encouraged kids to “make the most of school holidays coming up, rather than spending it scrolling on your phone”.  “Start a new sport, learn a new instrument or read that book that’s been sitting there on your shelf for some time,” he said.  “Importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face.” The government’s list of age-restricted apps will almost certainly grow in the coming weeks.  Australia’s online safety watchdog is keeping an eye out for other platforms that fit the criteria, and tech companies are required to constantly monitor if they are likely to be captured by the restrictions at any time.  Already, social media apps Lemon8 and Yope have been put on notice after experiencing a surge in popularity as young people have
Read More