Canberra, July 30 (HS): The Australian government has decided to ban YouTube for children under 16, including it in the existing list of prohibited social media platforms along with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. This new rule takes effect on December 10, while YouTube Kids remains exempt and provides a safer environment for children.

Children are prohibited from uploading videos on YouTube Kids. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the ruling, attributing it to advice from the e-Safety Commissioner, noting that 40% of Australian children reported harm from using YouTube.

The government emphasized that it will not be swayed by social media companies and aims to prioritize parental control and children's online safety. This legislation could influence other countries, marking Australia as the first nation globally to enact such a ban.

A bill to prohibit social media usage for children under 16 was passed with bipartisan support in the Australian Parliament last November. The government asserts that this decision is a significant step for children's wellbeing in the digital space.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar