Rome, 24 Nov. (LaPresse) – Australia bans social media use for children under 16, and Meta has already begun suspending their access. From 10 December, social media companies will have to take “reasonable steps” to ensure that children under 16 do not create accounts on their platforms and that existing accounts are deactivated or removed. The government says the ban, an unprecedented policy worldwide and welcomed by many parents, aims to reduce the ‘pressures and risks’ children may be exposed to on social media, stemming from ‘design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while offering content that can harm their health and wellbeing.’ A study commissioned by the government earlier this year found that 96% of children aged 10 to 15 use social media and that seven out of 10 of them have been exposed to harmful content and behaviour. These behaviours ranged from misogynistic material to videos and content promoting eating disorders and suicide. Tech giant Meta, which operates Facebook and other social media platforms, announced days ago that it would suspend access to users under the age of 16. Last Thursday, Meta began notifying users it believes to be between the ages of 13 and 15 that they will lose access to Instagram, Threads and Facebook. The company will give 14 days' notice before removing accounts so that users can download their information. Meta says they will be able to regain access once they turn 16. Meta estimates that approximately 150,000 Australians under the age of 16 use Facebook and 300,000 use Instagram.