Social media platforms to ban Australians under 16

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Australia is set to roll out its landmark social media ban for children under 16 from December 10, marking a world-first step in online safety.

Under the new rules, nine major platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and Kick — will be classed as “age-restricted platforms.” They must take reasonable steps to block underage users or face fines of up to $49.5 million.

Other platforms, such as Messenger, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, Discord, GitHub, LEGO Play, Roblox, Steam, and Google Classroom, will remain exempt as they fall under categories like messaging, gaming, or education.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the list isn’t fixed and could expand over time. Platforms like Yubo and Bluesky are being closely monitored in case young users flock there to bypass restrictions.

Grant stressed that while the law is a major step forward, no platform is completely safe — urging parents to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives.

The new law aims to protect young Australians from online harm while setting a global precedent for digital accountability.

Credit : ABC News

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