Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube are among the platforms required to enforce the new legislation. BBC reported.
Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban - but companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$32m, £25m) for breaches
The government says the ban is aimed at protecting young people from harmful content, but critics suggest it could isolate vulnerable teenagers and push children into unregulated corners of the internet
This is a bold move that many other countries are watching carefully - but how the government will judge success is unclear,
Australian teens have mixed views, with some "insulted" and others saying they'll "quickly get over it" -
