Australia's government has pledged to introduce what it described as "world-leading" legislation to ban children under 16 from social media.

The legislation will be introduced to the country's parliament during the last two weeks of this year's session, starting on November 18.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said social media was harming children and the age limit would come into effect a year after the law was passed - with platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok using those 12 months to work out how to opt out. Australian children under 16.

Platforms will be penalized for violating the age limit, but minors and their parents will not. There will be no exceptions for children who have parental consent, or who already have an account. Albanese said there would be exceptions in circumstances such as the need to continue access to education services.

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta said his platforms will respect any age restrictions the government wants to impose.

The Digital Industry Group (DIGI), a representative body which includes Meta, TikTok, X and Google as members, said the move could encourage children to explore darker, unregulated parts of the internet while cutting off their access in support networks.

Over 140 Australian and international academics with expertise in areas related to technology and child welfare sent an open letter to Albania last month opposing an age limit on social media as "an open instrument to address risks effectively". .

YouTube is also likely to be within the scope of the legislation, Australia's Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said. /SkyNews