When it comes to online harm we've dropped the ball

AUSTRALIA has taken the first big step towards reversing the uncontrolled experiment we have carried out on our children in recent years.

- Laura Trott

An experiment never sanctioned, never agreed to, and certainly not safe.Some say children will find ways around new rules, that it’s too late to put the genie back in the bottle. But I commend the actions of the Australian government in doing the right thing to protect young people. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 was passed by the Australian Parliament in November, following a campaign by Mia Bannister, whose son Ollie, 14, committed suicide after online bullying.

It came into force earlier this week and leads the way by banning under-16s from social media accounts in a world first that I hope the rest of us will follow. Parents and children won't be punished, but companies face fines of up to £25million for breaches of the ban.

When it comes to children, we have always taken a precautionary approach to what we give them. Health and safety rules govern the toys they play with and the environments we place them in. Films are rated according to what we think is appropriate for young viewers.