Australia has started a new law banning children under 16 from social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban protects kids from harmful content and online dangers. Platforms face fines up to $49.5 million if they fail to enforce the rule. However, some teens are already outsmarting the law. Thirteen-year-old Isobel told the BBC she tricked Snapchat by showing a photo of her mother, passing the age check in minutes. This has raised serious doubts about the ban's effectiveness. Experts warn that age verification tech is not foolproof. It can fail with fake photos or mask usage. Many parents are ready to help their kids bypass the law, while others worry it may push them toward unsafe, unregulated online spaces. Some platforms, including YouTube, still allow children to watch content without an account, leaving risks unchecked. Critics say the solution should focus on better policing harmful content and limiting algorithm harm rather than outright bans. The government admits the law is a first step and plans more digital rules in the future. Australia's online safety adviser says the goal is not to ban every child but to reduce the number significantly. Legal challenges are already underway against the law, calling it unconstitutional. The debate continues on whether this social media ban will truly protect or isolate young users. "This isn't a cure. It's a treatment plan, and treatment plans will always evolve," said Communications Minister Anika Wells.