Australia becomes first country to restrict social media use
(VOVWORLD) - Australia on Wednesday became the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, X, Twitch, and Meta's Instagram and Facebook.
The Australian government says the move is aimed at reducing the negative impacts of social media on children. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new restriction will allow children to grow up in a safer environment and give them time to develop life skills and engage directly with friends and family.
He noted: "This is the day Australian families take back power from Big Tech companies. They’re asserting the right of kids to be kids and parents to have greater peace of mind."
This morning children under 16 began receiving notifications that their social media accounts have been closed and they will no longer be able to create new accounts.