Australia defends social media ban for under-16s as compliance falls short

CANBERRA, Australia — The Australian government has defended its ban on social media use by children under 16, acknowledging that more than eight in ten teenagers continued using the platforms three months after the restriction took effect. The ban was introduced in December over concerns about the psychological and physical effects of social media on children. Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition and Charities at the Treasury, said the policy had reshaped the debate among parents about digital platforms. He noted that millions of accounts had been removed and that the government did not expect full compliance, comparing the rule to age limits on alcohol, which are also not followed by everyone. Research by Australia’s internet regulator found that children aged 10 to 15 showed levels of social media use in March similar to those before the ban. The study also recorded a decline in parents’ awareness of their children’s online behavior. The Labor Party government has announced plans to double the maximum penalty for technology companies that breach the ban. No further details on the implementation timeline were immediately available.