Asia debates Australia’s ban on ‘brain rot’ social media for children: safety or control?

A seismic shift is coming to the online lives of Australia’s youth, after a parliamentary vote set the stage for a social media blackout for anyone under 16.

Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and other platforms will soon be off-limits to young Australians, transforming how they interact with the digital world and leaving a generation to cope with the absence of their online playgrounds.

For the millions of youngsters hooked on the thrill of likes and shares, this impending change – set to take effect within 12 months – could feel like a rude awakening.

Yet for parents alarmed by the myriad dangers of social media – bullying, scams, self-esteem issues, and predation by adults – the ban is viewed as a necessary shield and a victory for child safety.

The goal? To steer children away from digital distractions and towards real-world connections, such as sports and face-to-face conversations.

“We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, celebrating the vote on November 28.