Age For Teens to Text in Australia is Now a Law

Last Friday, the Australian Parliament passed a law that would prohibit those younger than 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram. If the providers of those platforms fail to prevent those under 16 from using them, the providers could face fines up to $33 million. Proponents say this may help prevent online harm to their children. Opponents say that young persons who use social media to find support and friends will be reduced to making new friends or connecting with current friends in person. The law was introduced and passed in one week. Platform owners will have one year before enforcement begins.