SAUDI EXPATRIATES

Communications Minister Annika Wells said the legislation is meant to protect children from the harmful effects of early social media use and the rising risks of the digital world.

This new ban is the first of its kind in the world. Many teenagers woke up today to find their social media accounts disabled. Some teenagers informed the BBC that they have already discovered ways to circumvent the restrictions and intend to persist in using the platforms until they face detection. Recommend: Two Saudi brothers battles in court for the right to the care of their elderly mother

Under the new law, social media companies such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube must take “reasonable steps” to ensure that Australians under 16 cannot create or keep accounts.

Global leaders are watching the ban with interest, while tech companies are concerned about how it will affect them. The Australian government asserts that the ban is necessary to safeguard young individuals from harmful content and manipulative algorithms. Critics, however, argue that a full ban may be impractical and not the best approach.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly supported this policy. Speaking to the media, he said he believes the ban could inspire similar changes around the world.

“This is a day in which my pride to be Prime Minister of Australia has never been greater,” he said, standing with parents and media figures who supported the ban.

“This is Australia demonstrating that enough is enough.”

He added that this reform will be remembered among Australia’s world-leading initiatives.

Many governments, from Florida in the United States to the European Union, are testing ways to limit children’s social media use. But Australia is the first to set the age limit at 16 without allowing parental approval as an exception, making it the strictest law of its kind.

Countries like Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore, Greece, and Brazil have said they are watching Australia’s move closely as a test case. Most Viewed: Two Saudi brothers found almost 100,000 riyals in a bag

The Australian government has named 10 major social media platforms that must comply immediately, including all popular ones. The government also issued a warning that it will target other platforms next.

Online safety regulator Julie Inman Grant said her agency would begin checking compliance on Thursday. Parents and children will not be punished under this law. Only social media companies can be fined, with penalties reaching up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million / £24.5 million) for serious violations.

She said her agency will send information notices to the 10 major platforms and will update the public before Christmas on how the age restrictions are being enforced and whether they appear to be working.

Across Australia, many agree that social media companies have not done enough to protect young users from harm.

A Tasmanian student, Florence “Flossie” Brodribb, said she believes the ban will help children grow up “healthier, safer, kinder, and more connected.”

“Our brains are going through one of the biggest rewiring periods of our lives,” the 12-year-old said. “Social media is designed to take advantage of that. Young people deserve better.”

Surveys show the ban is very popular among parents, who hope it will reduce cyberbullying and child exploitation. However, many children strongly dislike it. Read: 5 proven behaviors to proven cancer

Some mental health advocates and young people argue that social media provides connection, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, neurodivergent teens, and those living in rural areas.

A 15-year-old named Breanna told the BBC that the ban isolates her:

“My closest friend would be 30km away from me, and my next closest friend is probably over 100km. When we restrict our use of Snapchat, it also limits our communication.

Experts also worry that many kids will easily get around the ban—either by tricking age-verification systems or by turning to other, possibly unsafe, online spaces.

Critics say the government should focus more on digital education and better moderation instead of outright banning. A Sydney father, Ian, said the idea behind the policy is beneficial, but he’s not sure the method is right.

Tech companies argue that the government is going too far and say their improved parental-control tools should have been enough. They are concerned that other countries may copy Australia’s approach.

The government insists that the technology companies have the money and tools needed to enforce the ban. At the same time, it acknowledges that the system won’t be perfect.

Prime Minister Albanese said the success of the policy is not about flawless results but about taking action and starting the global conversation.

Online safety regulator Julie Inman Grant reiterated Australia's long-term commitment. She said headlines about kids avoiding the ban will not stop the effort. See Also: Saudi Arabia and Qatar announces High speed electric train between two countries

“The world will follow,” she said, “just like nations once followed our lead on plain tobacco packaging, gun reform, water management, and sun safety.”