Australia has passed a world-first law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The law mandates a minimum age of 16 for users of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described social media as "platforms where peer pressure is exerted, anxiety is caused, and channels for scammers exist."

The legislation aims to protect children and adolescents from cyberbullying and potential mental health issues. The law will come into effect in November 2025. Platforms will have one year to implement the ban before penalties are enforced.

Concerns remain regarding the enforcement of the ban and its effectiveness in protecting young people. This new law sparks debate on children's relationship with the internet, with varying minimum age limits for social media use across different countries. For instance, the European Union sets the minimum age at 13, while Puerto Rico and Texas have set it at 18; Spain is considering raising its limit from 14 to 16.