The Government has said it would consider a social media ban for children under 16 if the Australian policy proves successful. Australia has introduced a ban on social media for under 16s which comes in force today (Wednesday 10).

The world-first ban will see millions of children and teenagers lose access to their social media accounts. Facebook , Instagram , Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok , X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (£24.7 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of Australian children younger than 16.

The Australian government says the ban aims to protect under 16s from accessing harmful content, as well as other risks such as cyberbullying and grooming. Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning,

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