Australia Passes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16
The Australian government has passed new legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms without parental consent. The law aims to protect young users from online risks, including cyberbullying, exploitation, and mental health issues.
According to officials, the legislation requires social media companies to implement robust age verification systems to ensure compliance. Parents will also have the ability to monitor and control their children’s online activity, while companies failing to enforce the rules could face substantial fines.
Child safety advocates have welcomed the move, highlighting the growing concerns about screen time, exposure to harmful content, and the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Critics, however, argue that enforcing age restrictions may be challenging and could push children toward unregulated or anonymous platforms.
The government emphasized that the law is part of broader digital safety initiatives, including educational campaigns, online safety resources, and collaboration with tech companies to create safer digital environments for minors.
Experts suggest that while the ban may not eliminate all risks, it represents a significant step toward ensuring responsible social media use among children and empowering parents to protect their families online.
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خلاصہ (اردو میں):
آسٹریلیا نے 16 سال سے کم عمر بچوں کے لیے سوشل میڈیا استعمال پر پابندی عائد کر دی ہے۔ والدین کی اجازت کے بغیر بچے آن لائن سوشل میڈیا استعمال نہیں کر سکیں گے اور کمپنیوں پر قوانین کی خلاف ورزی پر بھاری جرمانے عائد ہو سکتے ہیں۔
