Australia’s social media ban is attracting global praise – but we’re no closer to knowing how it would work

A trial is under way but the government faces many hurdles – including whether Trump-emboldened tech companies will comply

The smash hit Netflix show Adolescence, which explores a teenage murder fuelled by social media and toxic masculinity, has renewed calls for social media bans in some countries. One of the show’s stars this week said the UK should follow Australia’s lead in banning children aged under 16 from social media platforms.

The ban has been praised in the US and UK, and is described as “world-leading” by the Australian government. Time magazine this week praised the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, for a “remarkable” policy that was “politically uncontroversial” on the basis that both major parties supported it.

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A trial is under way but the government faces many hurdles – including whether Trump-emboldened tech companies will complyElection 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaignGet our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcastThe smash hit Netflix show Adolescence, which explores a teenage murder fuelled by social media and toxic masculinity, has renewed calls for social media bans in some countries. One of the show’s stars this week said the UK should follow Australia’s lead in banning children aged under 16 from social media platforms.The ban has been praised in the US and UK, and is described as “world-leading” by the Australian government. Time magazine this week praised the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, for a “remarkable” policy that was “politically uncontroversial” on the basis that both major parties supported it.Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter Continue reading… Technology, Australian politics, Social media, Meta, TikTok, Australia news Technology | The Guardian