The Australian government has introduced legislation aimed at banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, marking one of the world's strictest regulatory approaches to digital safety. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the move is intended to mitigate the potential harms of social media on youth mental health. Tech giants and digital rights advocates, however, have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of age-verification technology and potential privacy risks for the broader population. While some child safety experts praise the initiative as a necessary intervention, critics argue it could drive younger users toward less regulated corners of the internet. The bill is expected to undergo rigorous parliamentary debate as other nations observe the potential global precedent of the policy.