Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16

Govt cites risks to mental and physical health for new law that could come into force next year

Life

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The Australian government will draft legislation to ban social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced. In doing so, the country has a world first.

Australia is testing an age verification system to help with the possible blocking of minors on social media platforms.

Albanese cited the risks to children’s physical and mental health from overuse of social media as the reason for the measure.

A number of countries have already vowed to curb children’s use of social media through legislation, although Australia’s policy is one of the strictest.

The legislation will be presented to the Australian Parliament this year, where it could take effect within 12 months of ratification.

There are no exceptions for children who have parental permission or who already have accounts.

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