Australia Proposes Landmark Ban on Social Media for Under-16s

The legislation aims to safeguard young people from online harm but has sparked debate over its societal and developmental implications.

• Australia has introduced legislation to ban social media use for individuals under 16, making it the first country to propose such a restriction.
• The bill, backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeks to protect young Australians' mental health and online safety, with fines of up to AU$50 million for non-compliance by platforms.
• Critics argue that the ban could isolate teenagers from their peers and fails to address the responsibility of tech companies to create safer, age-appropriate experiences.
• Other countries, including the United Kingdom and Norway, are considering similar measures, while France already requires parental consent for social media use under age 15.
• Experts emphasize the need to balance restrictions with education on digital literacy, highlighting both the risks and benefits of social media for young users.

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