Australia has shocked the digital world after becoming the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media, rolling out strict age-verification systems to keep minors off platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
The Australian government says the move is meant to protect young people from cyberbullying, mental health risks, online predators, and those addictive scrolling algorithms that trap kids for hours. Supporters say it’s a bold step toward safer online spaces, while critics argue it restricts digital freedom and may be difficult to implement.
Australia has set a new global standard with this tough stance on youth safety online. Whether Malawi can adapt such a policy remains a big question. With rising cases of cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful viral content locally, the idea is worth exploring, but it would require strong laws, proper age-verification technology, and serious collaboration with telecom companies.