Australia becomes the first democracy to ban social media for under-16s starting December 10, with tech firms facing fines up to $32 million for noncompliance.

Policymakers from Brazil to Denmark are watching Australia’s rollout and planning similar bans to protect young users from mental health harms and cyberbullying.

Tech companies warn implementation will be difficult and may push teens to less safe platforms, while advocates worry the ban could isolate marginalized youth.

Australia will soon ban its youth from popular services like TikTok and Instagram, becoming the world’s first democracy to carry out such a crackdown in response to growing concerns about social media’s harms. It’s likely to be the first of many.

The platforms will be required by law to block under-16-year-olds f

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