TikTok removed around two hundred thousand accounts by Wednesday and expects to block hundreds of thousands more in the coming days. The legislation is likely to affect nearly one million children, many of whom posted farewell messages before losing access.
Some young users expressed frustration. One teenager wrote that there would be no more social media and no more connection with the world. Others posted messages saying they would return at sixteen, while some openly discussed plans to bypass the restrictions. A fourteen year old named Claire Ni said that young people would simply find new methods to access the platforms and questioned the purpose of the ban.
Australia became the first country to introduce a complete social media ban for children under sixteen. Ten major platforms, including TikTok, Google, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, were ordered to restrict access starting from midnight. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to forty nine point five million Australian dollars. The move has been welcomed by many parents and child protection advocates but criticised by major technology firms and free speech groups.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the decision as a proud day for families and said the law demonstrates that governments can take action against online harms that have grown beyond traditional regulatory systems. He said it represents a major social and cultural shift that will continue to influence global policy discussions.
In a video message, the Prime Minister encouraged children to use their newly disconnected time to try new sports, learn musical instruments or read books as the summer school holidays approach.
