Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

Australia has taken a bold step by banning YouTube accounts for children under the age of 16, broadening its social media regulations aimed at shielding teenagers from harmful content on the internet, Azernews reports.

“Young people under 16 will no longer be allowed to have YouTube accounts,” announced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday.

Previously, YouTube — owned by Alphabet — was exempt from earlier restrictions due to its widespread use as an educational tool by teachers and schools. However, concerns over the platform’s potential exposure to inappropriate or harmful material have prompted this policy shift.

Last year, Australia made headlines as the first country to propose a sweeping ban on social media use for teenagers, signaling its determination to tackle the growing mental health challenges linked to excessive social media exposure.

The new regulations reflect a broader global trend where governments are increasingly scrutinizing the impact of social networks on young users. Australia’s move is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes improved content moderation, stricter age verification processes, and campaigns promoting digital literacy among youth.

Experts have praised the government’s proactive stance, though some critics warn about potential unintended consequences, such as limiting access to valuable educational resources and social interaction opportunities online.

Interestingly, this policy change coincides with growing international debates on the responsibility of tech giants in protecting younger audiences. As the digital landscape evolves, Australia’s pioneering regulations could inspire other nations to adopt similar measures, reshaping the future of youth engagement on the internet.