Australia, a major American ally, is banning social media for children under 16 due to safety and security concerns.

Australia’s states and territories have unanimously backed a world-first national plan to ban children younger than 16 from most forms of social media.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday the government would legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16, a policy the government says is world-leading.

Australia announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media in an effort to curb addiction and protect mental health.

Australia’s states and territories on Friday unanimously backed a national plan to require most forms of social media to bar children younger than 16.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new legislation aiming to prohibit social media access for children under 16, labeling it a move to counter the harm he believes social platforms are inflicting on youth.