Australia has become the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, effective from December 10. The groundbreaking policy, widely supported by parents, mandates social media companies to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to deactivate or remove existing ones. The government aims to shield children from the ‘pressures and risks’ associated with social media, including harmful content and behaviors such as cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to misogynistic or self-harm-promoting material. A recent government study revealed that 96% of children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% encountering harmful content. The ban currently applies to nine major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, though platforms like YouTube Kids and WhatsApp are exempt. Social media companies face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, but critics question the effectiveness of age verification technologies and the adequacy of penalties. While some platforms, like Meta, have begun implementing measures, others remain silent on their compliance strategies. The ban has sparked debates about its potential to isolate teens and drive them to unregulated corners of the internet. Despite concerns, the government asserts that the legislation includes robust data protection measures. Australia’s pioneering move is being closely watched by other nations, many of which are exploring similar restrictions to safeguard young users.