International media covers Australia’s under-16s social media ban, as overseas polls back idea

Australia's world-leading new law banning under-16s from social media has got people talking all around the globe, with multiple international polls backing the idea.

New world-leading legislation banning kids from accessing social media until they are 16 has made news around the globe, with multiple international polls showing overwhelming support for the idea.

Parents everywhere are applauding Australia’s tough new stance, saying similar laws are desperately needed in their own countries.

The legislation, which is backed by 70 per cent of Australians according to a YouGov poll, raises the minimum age for accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok from 13 to 16.

Tech companies will face up to $50 million fines if under 16s are found to be using their sites.

This masthead’s Let Them Be Kids campaign was heavily supported by petitions signed by almost 200,000 people, as well as bereaved parents whose kids had died due to bullying, sextortion or body image issues on the platforms.

Wayne Holdsworth with son Mac, 17, who died by suicide.

Wayne Holdsworth, whose 17-year-old son Mac took his own life last year after he was blackmailed on social media, welcomed the new law.

“I have always been a proud Australian but for me, subsequent to the Senate decision, I am bursting with pride,” Mr Holdsworth said.

“My country is leading the world and to have played a part in the lobbying and advocacy to get this bill passed will have my beautiful Mac looking down on me knowing his death, whilst so heart and soul destroying, will not be in vain. He still has a voice.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new laws passed with overwhelming support from parliament.

“’We’ve got your back’ is our message to Australian parents,” Mr Albanese said on Friday after the legislation passed late on Thursday.

“This has been an issue that is raised with me more, or at least as much as any other issue by people when I’m out and about – and what we’ve done is world leading.

“We’ll work to make sure that it’s got right. But the legislation is very clear.”

The Sun UK reported on Australia’s social media ban for under 16's

The majority of people in a Telegraph UK poll agreed with the idea of a ban like in Australia.

There was criticism of the bill’s rushed passing, especially from the tech giants, but Coalition communication spokesman David Coleman said the issue needed urgent action.

“The link between social media and the devastation that we’re seeing in the Australian community is clear,” Mr Coleman said. “And that’s why it’s so important to act now.”

In the UK, The Sun and The Telegraph reported a similar ban there would have wide support.

A Sun poll showed 78 per cent of voters supported the idea, while in the Telegraph it was 67 per cent.

In an article on Australia’s new law, The Washington Post reported that access to platforms could come under further scrutiny from President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming team, including surgeon-general nominee Janette Nesheiwat.

The Washington Post covered the new world-leading legislation.

In contrast, one of Trump’s closest allies, X owner Elon Musk is a fierce critic, saying last week the Australian bill was “a backdoor way to control access to the internet”.

In the New York Post concerned parent Kyle Burton wrote, “This so needs to happen in the US!”

Swiss publication Blick stated: “The Land of Kangaroos has just accepted a bill to fine social networks that tolerate accounts opened by children to the tune of millions.”

An accompanying survey found 78 per cent of the Swiss population would support a social media age ban.

The Times of India posed the question whether it should be introduced there, with adolescent psychiatrist Pramit Rastogi saying India should watch what happens in the “west” first and “then introduce the second generation level of social media ban”.

Critics of the law cited concerns about how it would work, as well as whether it would have unintended consequences.

This masthead’s Let Them Be Kids campaign was heavily supported by petitions signed by almost 200,000 people.

While Meta, responsible for Facebook and Instagram, said it respected the laws in Australia it argued the process failed “to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people”. It also suggested that instead of the tech companies being responsible for age verification, that should happen at the operating system and app store level.

A TikTok spokesperson said “it is important that the government works closely with industry to fix issues created by this rushed process” and wanted to “reduce the unintended consequences’ of the bill.

A Snapchat spokesperson said “there are many unanswered questions about how this law will be implemented in practice” … but they “will engage closely with the government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety and practicality”.

YouTube urged the government to follow through on its commitment to make its platform exempt.

Originally published as International media covers Australia’s under-16s social media ban, as overseas polls back idea