Australia’s landmark ban on social media for under-16s has now come into force, forcing platforms like Meta, TikTok and YouTube to take “reasonable steps” to stop young teenagers from holding accounts. 

The government says the world-first policy is needed to protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms, and non-compliant companies could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (£24.6m). 

Parents widely back the move, hoping it will curb cyber bullying and exploitation, but many young people and some advocates warn it could strip vulnerable teens of vital online communities and connections.