Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access to platforms and causing millions of children and teenagers to lose access to their accounts.
Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch and TikTok are expected to have taken steps from Wednesday, Dec. 10, to remove accounts held by users under 16 years of age in Australia, and prevent those teens from registering new accounts.
Ten of the biggest platforms were ordered to block children from midnight on Wednesday (1300 GMT on Tuesday) or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) under the new law, which drew criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by parents and child advocates.
The ban is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's health and safety.
In a video message that Sky News Australia said would be played in schools this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban aimed to support young Australians and ease the pressure that can come from endless feeds and algorithms.
"Make the most of the school holidays coming up. Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf," he said.
"And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face."
The rollout ends a year of speculation about whether a country can block children from using technology embedded in modern life.
Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban, but companies face fines for breaches.
The government says the ban is aimed at protecting young people from harmful content, but critics suggest it could isolate vulnerable teenagers and push children into unregulated corners of the internet.