Australia has passed into law a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.

Australia will ban under-16s from using social media in a world-first law designed to protect children online.

Young people will be blocked from TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat in an attempt to protect their mental health.