Australia’s world-first social media ban – how does it work?published at 15:47 BST
15:47 BST
Image source, PA Media
In December, under-16s in Australia were banned from using major social media services including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the day the ban took hold that social media had contributed to a rise in mental health issues.
Under the ban, under-16s cannot set up new social media accounts and their existing profiles were deactivated.
Children and parents are not punished for infringing the ban. Instead, social media companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$32m, £25m) for serious or repeated breaches.
Earlier this month Greece announced plans to ban access to social media for under-15s, with France, Austria and Spain also among a growing number of nations pursuing similar curbs.
Social media companies argue that blanket bans will be ineffective, difficult to enforce and could isolate vulnerable teenagers.