Australia's Teen Social Media Ban Gains Global Attention

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took the stage at a United Nations event in New York to talk up his country’s bold new law banning social media for kids under 16.

It’s a world-first move, set to start in December, and it’s got everyone from governments to tech giants paying close attention.

At the Protecting Children in the Digital Age event during the UN General Assembly, Albanese called the ban a “big step forward” to keep young teens safe from things like online bullying, fake news, and unhealthy body image pressures.

“It isn’t foolproof, but it’s a sensible move to give teens three more years shaped by real-life experiences, not algorithms,” he said.

• Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s in World-First Law
• Anthony Albanese Highlights Teen Social Media Ban at UN Event
• Global Leaders Praise Australia’s Bold Online Safety Move

Backed by Albanese’s centre-left government, the law came into effect in November 2024 after research showed social media can mess with teens’ mental health. Instead of asking for ID checks, Australia is pushing tech companies to use AI and user behavior to figure out someone’s age, trying to keep things private yet effective.

The idea is getting some serious praise globally. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the same UN event, gave Australia a shout-out. “We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you,” she said, hinting Europe might follow suit to protect its kids.

The law bumps up the minimum age for social media accounts from 13 to 16, which Albanese called “way overdue” to help teens during those crucial growing-up years. With the world watching, Australia’s tackling a tricky mix of tech, privacy, and keeping kids safe.

Also Read: New Zealand Welcomes Anna Breman as New Reserve Bank Governor

Sure, some folks are skeptical about how it’ll all play out, but the global buzz shows people everywhere are worried about kids’ safety online. Australia’s taking a big swing, and it might just inspire other countries to step up, too.