Source: The Guardian
Summary
Australia has become the first country to ban social media for under-16s, citing concerns over cyberbullying, social media addiction, and exposure to predators. The ban, implemented in late 2025, aims to reduce the pressures and risks faced by young users. The move has been met with a mixed response from experts and the public. According to reports, the ban will be enforced through a combination of age verification and monitoring.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious.
A ban on social media for under-16s is being touted as a solution to the risks faced by young users. The move is seen as a way to reduce cyberbullying, social media addiction, and exposure to predators. Australia is the first country to implement such a ban. It’s a bold move, but one that sounds suspiciously like a rehash of the “think of the children” arguments from the 90s. Because, clearly, blocking access to social media will totally prevent kids from finding ways to use it.
Author: Evan Null
