Australia is preparing to introduce one of the world’s boldest online safety laws: a nationwide ban preventing children under 16 from creating social media accounts. The change, part of updates to the country’s Online Safety Act, is aimed at reducing the risks young people face on platforms like Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and others.

Under the new rules, social networks will be legally required to take strong steps to verify a user’s age and block anyone under 16 from signing up. If platforms fail to comply, they could face extremely heavy fines — up to tens of millions of dollars. Importantly, the penalties target the companies, not the children or their parents.

Supporters of the move argue that social media has become increasingly harmful for teenagers, exposing them to cyberbullying, predatory behaviour, unrealistic body standards and addictive design. They say this law will give young people more time to develop mentally and emotionally before facing the pressures of online life.

But critics warn that the ban might do more harm than good. Some fear that forcing teens off mainstream platforms will push them towards unregulated apps and hidden online spaces. Others highlight serious privacy concerns around the age-verification systems needed to enforce the law, especially if they rely on ID checks or facial-analysis technology. There are also worries about cutting young people off from important online social connections.

Not all digital services are included in the ban. Messaging apps and educational tools remain allowed, and some platforms will still permit under-16s to view content without having an account, though posting, commenting and messaging will be blocked.

Australia’s decision marks a major moment in the global debate over youth safety online. Whether this bold experiment becomes a model for other countries — or a cautionary tale — will become clear in the months after the law takes effect.