Melbourne, Australia – The Australian Parliament passed a landmark law on Friday, becoming the first in the world to implement a social media ban for children under 16. The law holds platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram accountable for up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) in fines for failing to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.

Following a Senate vote of 34 to 19, the bill was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of children online, stating that platforms must now take responsibility to ensure their protection.

Opposition amendments made in the Senate were later endorsed by the House, solidifying the law. Platforms have a one-year grace period to develop strategies for implementing the ban before penalties are enforced.

While the major political parties show support for the ban, critics and advocates for child welfare and mental health raise concerns about potential unintended consequences. Some argue that the law could isolate children, deprive them of the benefits of social media, and impact their mental health and sense of connection.

In response to criticisms, proponents of the legislation assert that social media companies must take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users from their platforms. Fears about privacy risks, potential harm, and the effectiveness of the law continue to be debated among policymakers, advocates, and industry stakeholders.

Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, who tragically lost her daughter due to online exploitation, views the passage of the law as a significant step in protecting children from online harms. Critics, however, stress the need for evidence-based policies and careful consideration of the impact on youth mental health and well-being.

The debate surrounding the social media ban underscores the complex balance between protecting children online and preserving the positive aspects of social media for young users. As the Australian government navigates these challenges, concerns about rushed legislation, privacy risks, and unintended consequences persist among various stakeholders.

As the platforms prepare to comply with the new law, questions remain about its implementation and impact on children, signaling a continued dialogue on how to best regulate social media for the safety and well-being of young users.