Australia bans social media for under-18s to study mental health impacts, with a six-month review.

Australia has implemented a temporary ban on social media platforms for users under 18, aiming to assess the impact of digital exposure on adolescent mental health. The move, part of broader reforms to regulate tech companies, requires platforms to verify user ages and restrict access for minors. Experts say the ban could provide valuable data on social media's effects on youth, while tech industry leaders have raised concerns over enforcement and user privacy. The policy takes effect immediately and will be reviewed after six months.