'Not black or white': Teens worldwide react to Australia's ban

Australia’s landmark move to ban under-16s from social media will be closely watched by other countries, which could follow suit with similar laws.

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AFP spoke to teenagers and adults around the world about the Australian ban, which takes effect tomorrow. Here are some of their reactions:

‘NOTHING BLACK OR WHITE’

At the seafront in India’s Mumbai, 19-year-old Pratigya Jena scrolls with her friends through Instagram videos of a posing influencer and a camel at a beach.

Social media “should be partially banned because according to me nothing is either black or white’, the student said.

“Gen Z are very active, they are doing really well on social media. And doing great things, especially young entrepreneurs,” Ms Jena said.

At the same time, children watching adult content online “has a very bad effect’

At a Mumbai park, cricket coach Pratik Bhurke, 38, said Australia’s move would encourage children to spend time outdoors and could have “great benefits” in India too.

BERLIN: HELP TO DETOX

In the chilly German capital, Luna Drewes, 13, is watching selfie-style TikTok clips posted by other young people.