Prime Minister Albanese’s note announcing the under-16 social media ban. Photo: Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the government has officially banned social media accounts for anyone under the age of 16. The decision was confirmed in a statement released on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday.

Albanese said the measure is aimed at reducing the exposure of young people to harmful online environments. The government has been considering age-based restrictions for several months, with officials citing concerns about mental health, bullying, and access to inappropriate content.

The new policy places responsibility on social media platforms to verify user ages and remove accounts belonging to children under 16. Further details on enforcement, penalties, and the expected timeline for full implementation have not yet been released.

The announcement has drawn strong reactions across Australia, reflected in thousands of comments and shares within hours of the post going online. Supporters argue the ban provides needed protection for children, while critics question how age verification will work in practice.

This development is one of Australia’s most direct regulatory steps in the online safety space and is expected to shape discussions in other countries looking at similar restrictions.