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Millions of Children Could Lose Social Media Access Under New Law, Greens Warn

Senators also criticised the government for not releasing key documents related to the policy.
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Millions of Children Could Lose Social Media Access Under New Law, Greens Warn
Social media apps are displayed on a phone screen in a photo illustration on Dec. 1, 2024. Roni Bintang/Getty Images
Monica O’Shea
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Greens Senator David Shoebridge is concerned that Australia’s upcoming social media ban for children under 16 could harm the mental health of around 2.4 million young people.

Parliament passed the law in late November 2024, with enforcement to begin on Dec. 10.
Platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat could face fines of up to $50 million (US$33 million) if they do not take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having a social media account.
Monica O’Shea
Monica O’Shea
Author
Monica O’Shea is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked as a reporter for Motley Fool Australia, Daily Mail Australia, and Fairfax Regional Media. She can be reached at monica.o'[email protected]