Australia's government has proposed a social media ban for children under the age of 16 which experts have described as a "momentous step," as parents globally call for greater regulation of tech companies.
Other platforms have sought to address the harm social media can do to young peoples' mental health, with Meta's Instagram launching "Teen Accounts" in September.
Zach Rausch, an NYU Stern School of Business research scientist and lead researcher on No.1 New York Times bestselling book "The Anxious Generation," said Australia's legislation was a "momentous step" and will make Australia a "global leader in protecting kids online."
The Australian law would see social media platforms held entirely responsible for preventing access to children.
Children who breach the law and their parents will not face any penalties.
Persons:
Anthony Albanese, Meta's Instagram, Bytedance's TikTok, Elon Musk's X, Dany Elachi, Elachi, …, TikTok, Meta's, Zach Rausch
Organizations:
Australian, Facebook, Up Alliance, CNBC, Big Tech, NYU Stern School of Business, New York Times
Locations:
Australian