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Two 15-year-olds have filed a constitutional challenge in Australia’s High Court against the world’s first under-16 social media ban, which takes effect December 10. As platforms like Meta begin deleting over 1 million teen accounts, affected users are teaching peers how to evade detection and flocking to alternative apps like Coverstar, which surged to #9 in Australian downloads. The ban targets Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other major platforms, with companies facing fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance. However, researchers published findings in a medical journal last month stating there is “inadequate evidence” linking social media directly to rising youth mental health issues, complicating the government’s rationale. No penalties apply to teens or parents who circumvent the restrictions.
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