Australia bans social media for under-16s

Global News Podcast

BBC

Daily News, News

4.2 • 7.8K Ratings

🗓️ 9 December 2025

⏱️ 30 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In a world first, millions of Australian children and teenagers are prevented from accessing social media accounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told adolescents to make the most of the situation by taking up a new sport or reading a book, instead of scrolling on their phones. Under the legislation, companies could face heavy fines if they don't take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from opening social media accounts. Social media firms have argued the ban would be ineffective, difficult to implement, and could isolate vulnerable teenagers.

Also: tens of thousands flee their homes in border areas of Cambodia and Thailand after a resumption of fighting. An investigation finds at least 1700 civilians have been killed in airstrikes by Sudan's armed forces since the start of the civil war. South Korean police raid headquarters of the e-commerce giant Coupang. And a British man who was paralysed permanently 9 years ago, attempts a world record for sit-skiing to the South Pole.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, podcasts.
0:05.5	You're listening to the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.
0:10.5	Hello, I'm Oliver Conway. We're recording this at 16 hours GMT on Tuesday, the 9th of December.
0:16.8	Australia becomes the first nation in the world to ban under 16s from social media.
0:22.2	The Sudanese army is accused of killing nearly 1,700 civilians in airstrikes.
0:28.0	The aftermath footage of hits in markets is often quite hard to watch
0:32.1	because there's often also children among the victims as well.
0:36.7	And the EU investigates Google over the use of creative content to train AI.
0:44.4	Also in the podcast.
0:45.9	Looking out for things like frostbite or hypothermia,
0:48.9	there's so much that has never been done by somebody with a spinal injury,
0:52.3	so we're kind of leading the way.
0:53.6	The challenges of a world record attempt in Antarctica.
1:02.9	As we record this podcast, Australia has become the first nation in the world
1:07.2	to ban anyone under the age of 16 from using social media. A law which came
1:12.5	into effect at midnight local time requires apps like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to block
1:17.9	access under the threat of large fines. Existing profiles will be deactivated. 14-year-old
1:24.2	Sophia from Brisbane was one of the first to get locked out. For me, it's a mix of emotions. Obviously, I'm quite frustrated.
1:31.4	I do see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel in this decision.
1:35.6	I understand that it will probably have a positive impact in the future.
1:40.9	It will definitely adapt the way our brains think.
1:44.9	So, yes, I'm a little bit annoyed, but we'll get over it.
	...

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