news

Australia Blocks Social Media Access for Children Under 16

Published

11 months ago

December 8, 2025

Australia social media ban restricts children under 16, prompting worldwide debate on online safety, mental health, and freedom of expression

Australia has made history by enacting a law banning children under 16 from using social media, effective immediately. The legislation aims to protect minors from online risks and has drawn international attention.

Also read: Australia to Ban Children from YouTube Under Tough New Social Media Laws

The law has received mixed reactions from young people and parents worldwide. In Lagos, 15-year-old student Mitchelle Okinedo said social media can distract students but admits giving it up would be challenging.

Her mother, Hannah Okinedo, supports the ban, noting that parents often cannot monitor online activity around the clock.

In Mumbai, 19-year-old university student Pratigya Jena described the issue as “nothing entirely black or white,” acknowledging both the benefits and risks of social media.

Cricket coach Pratik Bhurke believes the law could inspire healthier habits among Indian children.

German teens also expressed support, seeing the ban as a chance to reduce pressures from unrealistic online standards.

Thirteen-year-old Luna Drewes said social media sets harmful expectations for appearance, while her friend, 15-year-old Enno Caro Brandes, described the law as an opportunity for a digital detox.

However, not all reactions have been positive. In Qatar, 16-year-old Firdha Razak called the ban “really stupid,” highlighting its potential impact on staying connected with family abroad.

Similarly, in Sydney, 15-year-old Layton Lewis doubted the law’s effectiveness, though his mother, Emily Lewis, hopes it will encourage more authentic offline relationships.

In Mexico, children emphasised the importance of online spaces for expression and social connection.

Eleven-year-old Aranza Gomez said the ban would make her sad, while 16-year-old Santiago Ramirez Rojas noted the dangers younger children face online.

The Australian law has sparked a global conversation on childhood safety, mental health, and digital responsibility.

Also read: Nigeria, AU, ECOWAS Condemn Benin Coup Attempt

Governments worldwide are monitoring the impact of the legislation to determine whether similar measures could be adopted elsewhere.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

1 hour ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.