News From Australia Today in Punjabi reports that Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16. Minors cannot create accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and YouTube. Companies that fail to verify age or break rules may face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
For 15-year-old Riley Allen, who lives on a farm in South Australia, this decision is troubling. Riley lives near Wudinna, while his friends stay 70 km away. He says staying connected during the summer holidays will be very difficult. His mother, Sonia Allen, said she will not help him break the rule. However, she fears children may still find ways to bypass the ban.
Sydney students Noah Jones (15) and Macy Nayland have challenged the law in the High Court. They claim the ban removes their constitutional right to communicate. The government argues that the step is needed to protect children from harmful online content.
Over 140 academic experts warned that the ban may push children toward unsafe underground platforms. Parents will not be able to monitor these platforms. This development is a major highlight in News From Australia Today in Punjabi, as it affects children, parents, and online safety nationwide.
