Australia has begun enforcing a social media ban for all children under 16 years old. The new law aims to protect young users from online pressures, bullying, and predators. 15-year-old Breanna Easton, who lives in remote outback Queensland, says, "Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other." Breanna used social media to stay connected with friends who live hundreds of kilometers away. Her mother, Megan Easton, supports protecting children but feels the government is "overstepping" and restricting parents' role in teaching safe internet use. In Sydney, 14-year-old Jacinta Hickey calls the ban "a bit insulting" because she believes she can handle social media responsibly. Meanwhile, some principals and parents are relieved to protect kids' innocence and mental health. South Australia's Premier, Peter Malinauskas, pushed the law after reading "The Anxious Generation," a book about the harms of phones on children. Despite legal challenges, Malinauskas says, "When you are talking about protecting young people, all other considerations become secondary." However, concerns remain for minority groups. A survey by Minus18 found 96% of young LGBTQ+ respondents value social media to access friends and support. Brisbane girl Sadie Angus says, "I use it as a safe space to share what I've had to go through." Autism advocates warn the ban could cut off important online social connections. Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter died by suicide linked to online bullying, strongly supports the ban. She said, "Our children have been the social experiment." While the new law may help future generations, many teens currently on social media feel they are losing a key part of their social lives. The debate over how best to protect children while keeping them connected is ongoing in Australia.