Australia's government isn't just talking about social media drawbacks for young users, it's doing something. A first-of-its-kind law affecting 10 major sites took effect last week, prohibiting accounts for users under 16. Social media companies must take "reasonable steps" to ensure it's followed, such as deleting underage users' accounts and blocking new signups. Age checks can include facial age estimation from video selfies and uploading a driver's license, school or college ID, or a passport. Platforms face big fines for not doing enough.

Australian officials cite evidence that companies don't adequately protect children from harmful content. "This one is for the mums and dads," says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online." The prohibition covers Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and five other sites, but not WhatsApp, Messenger, YouTube Kids or Google Classroom.

Critics fear it could isolate vulnerable children and push others into darker, less-regulated parts of the web. But Dany Elachi, an Australian father of five, tells the British Broadcasting Corp.: "We have zero faith the tech companies will do anything other than protect their profits. They've had ample opportunity to show they take children's well-being seriously and they've failed at every turn." Two-thirds of voters back the ban, but age-recognition software doesn't always work and some students plan to evade it. In response, the prime minister says that teens finding a way to drink doesn't mean there shouldn't be a legal drinking age.

This is a test case for government efforts to shield youngsters from social media bullying, predators, violent videos, sexual content and other risks until they're better able to navigate online responsibly. Starting next month, the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia also bans social accounts until age 16. France, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Romania and New Zealand are considering a minimum age. "It could become a proof of concept that gains traction around the world," says Nate Fast, a business professor at the University of Southern California. In London, British government leaders also are considering tougher online safety rules to limit children's social media time, including a 10 p.m. curfew and a two-hour daily limit. "Young people are really struggling," a Parliament member said last week.

Prime minister says: "This will be one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced. It is profound reform which will be a source of national pride in years to come." -- Anthony Albanese

Parent says: "It almost feels like a bit of weight off our shoulders. We can now turn around and say, ‘Hey, it’s not our choice.’” – Joel Pritchard of Melbourne, Australia, who has a 15-year-old daughter

Industry group says: "Australia is engaged in blanket censorship that will make its youth less informed, less connected and less equipped to navigate the spaces they will be expected to understand as adults." -- Paul Taske of NetChoice, a Washington, D.C., association of tech companies