牛弹琴：澳大利亚，干了一件前所未有的事情

Core Viewpoint - Australia has become the first country to implement a ban on social media usage for children under 16, marking a significant shift in the definition of childhood in the digital age [2][23]. Regulatory Framework - The law mandates that ten social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, must take "reasonable measures" to prevent children under 16 from using their services, with penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million (approximately USD 32 million) for non-compliance [3][24]. - Major platforms like YouTube and Meta have begun to automatically deactivate accounts of users under 16, while TikTok will suspend all such accounts as of December 10 [3][24]. Social Implications - The ban has sparked discussions about the balance between freedom and protection, with some experts believing that children will ultimately benefit from this decision, while others express concerns about potential legal challenges regarding freedom of speech [4][25]. - There is speculation that children may migrate to emerging platforms like Yope, circumventing the ban on the ten major platforms [5][26]. Global Perspective - Other countries, including Denmark, Ireland, Malaysia, and New Zealand, are considering similar bans, indicating a potential trend in global digital governance [6][27]. - The rapid legislative process in Australia has raised concerns about the adequacy of public consultation and the potential for unintended consequences, with many experts opposing the law due to a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness [8][29]. Observational Study - The Australian government plans to monitor the effects of the ban, focusing on various metrics such as children's sleep patterns, social interactions, and mental health outcomes [11][33]. - The potential for children to engage with less regulated online spaces raises questions about the overall impact of the ban on their digital literacy and future competitiveness in an AI-driven world [13][34]. Alternative Approaches - The situation in Australia has prompted discussions about the feasibility of similar measures in the United States, where such policies may face constitutional challenges [15][36]. - The article highlights China's advanced governance model for protecting minors online, which has been recognized for balancing safety and access to beneficial content [16][37].