Why is Australia banning social media for teenagers?

"From December 10, children below 16 years of age will be barred from opening or using accounts on popular social media platforms under new federal rules announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government. The policy requires platforms to block new underage accounts and to remove existing ones belonging to users younger than 16. Companies must also introduce systems to detect minors who attempt to access their services. It does not include video gaming platforms, however."

"The measure comes after amendments to the Online Safety Act, overseen by Australia's eSafety Commissioner, were announced last year. The government says the policy is its response to rising concerns about cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, self-harm content and mental health risks. Research commissioned by the Australian government in 2023 found four out of five children aged eight to 16 use social media, often beginning between the ages of 10 and 12."

From December 10, children under 16 will be barred from opening or using accounts on popular social media platforms. Platforms must block new accounts for under-16s, remove existing underage accounts and implement systems to detect minors attempting to access services. The rules do not apply to video gaming platforms. The measure follows amendments to the Online Safety Act and will be overseen by the eSafety Commissioner, who will issue operational standards. The government frames the policy as a response to rising cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, self-harm content and mental health risks. Critics warn it could normalise surveillance and sever vital support networks for young people.

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