Tag: Australia

International

Australia’s Bold Social Media Crackdown: Will Kids Actually Log Off?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

Australia has entered a new digital era as it begins enforcing its controversial move to remove children under 16 from social media. The government has framed the shift as a necessary intervention to protect young people from online harm, but many kids have no intention of logging off. In fact, a recent survey of more than 17,000 Australian youths showed that three-quarters plan to keep using social platforms even after the ban begins, and only a small fraction believe the change will work. In the days leading up to the rollout, teens traded tips on bypassing restrictions and encouraged each other to migrate to more obscure apps, raising fresh concerns about children drifting into even less regulated online spaces. With the ban landing just as the long summer holiday begins, the timing adds a layer of complexity for families and regulators.

While Australia describes the legislation as world-leading, skepticism remains widespread. Hard age limits might block some young teens today only to usher them in the moment they turn 16, without ever addressing the conditions that make these platforms risky in the first place. Research from the American Psychological Association has emphasized that age alone isn’t a reliable measure of digital readiness and that blanket bans don’t confront the underlying design choices that keep kids hooked. Even so, many Australians support the move, tired of hearing about the tragic consequences of unchecked online spaces. Reports of youth suicides, drug access and harassment have made it clear that the status quo isn’t working. Surveys from the US, UK and Australia continue to show alarming rates of online grooming, unwanted sexual content and growing concerns about the mental health impact of algorithm-driven feeds.

Critics argue the ban risks cutting off essential community spaces for marginalized young people, including LGBTQ, Indigenous and rural teens whose primary peer networks often exist online. Others point to loopholes: kids can still watch YouTube anonymously, and platforms like Roblox are exempt by categorizing their social features as gaming. And of course, many digitally savvy teens will inevitably find a way around the new rules. Still, the policy sends a clear message to Silicon Valley: governments are no longer willing to accept passivity from tech companies when it comes to youth safety. If more countries follow, platforms may be forced to redesign their systems, strengthen protections and take responsibility for growing evidence of harm.

Australia’s ban is far from perfect, and no one should expect it to trigger a nostalgic return to analog childhoods. But it has ignited a vital global debate about balancing protection with connection and about reshaping digital spaces to serve young people rather than endanger them. If raising a child takes a village, protecting them online requires an even larger one. Australia has taken a first step. Others will now have to decide whether they follow—or leave the future of childhood in the hands of tech giants.

Special Occasion

Melbourne Cup Day: The Race That Stops a Nation

Tanisha Cardozo

Every year on the first Tuesday of November, the city of Melbourne and indeed all of Australia comes to a thrilling halt for one of the most celebrated sporting and social events in the world — the Melbourne Cup. Held at the historic Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup Day is more than a horse race; it’s an event that reflects Australia’s love for sport, fashion, and community spirit.

Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup captures the hearts of millions who tune in to watch the race live, whether they’re at the track, in workplaces, pubs, or hosting backyard gatherings. The excitement builds as the nation collectively holds its breath, watching elite racehorses compete for glory in one of the richest turf races in the world.

Beyond the thundering hooves and cheering crowds, Melbourne Cup Day is a grand celebration of fashion and culture. The famous Myer Fashions on the Field competition turns Flemington into a runway of creativity, where participants showcase exquisite outfits, elaborate fascinators, and vibrant colors that make the event as much about style as sport. Across the country, Australians embrace the day by dressing up in their finest, bringing elegance and joy to every celebration.

The history of the Melbourne Cup stretches back to 1861 when it was first organized by Frederick Standish to elevate Victoria’s profile and attract visitors. The inaugural race saw 17 horses compete before a crowd of 4,000, with a horse named Archer taking home the first trophy. Over the years, the Cup’s popularity soared, turning it into a public holiday in Victoria by 1877 — a testament to its deep cultural significance. The race’s unique handicap format, where each horse carries a different weight, adds an element of unpredictability that has long fascinated punters and fans alike.

The festivities extend far beyond the racecourse. From office sweepstakes to community events, the Melbourne Cup brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition and celebration. Many host garden parties, enjoy gourmet spreads, and place small bets to feel part of the action. Local venues, from pubs to restaurants, host live screenings and themed events, ensuring no one misses out on the excitement.

Equally significant is the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s contribution to charity and community engagement. The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour takes the iconic trophy across Australia and abroad, raising funds and sharing stories that unite communities. This enduring spirit of generosity and connection underscores why the event remains such a vital part of Australia’s national identity.

Whether celebrated in the grandeur of Flemington’s stands or the comfort of a backyard picnic, Melbourne Cup Day continues to embody Australia’s zest for life, camaraderie, and celebration. It’s not just a race — it’s a moment when the nation comes together, united in cheer, style, and timeless tradition.

International

Australia: The Fastest-Moving Continent on Earth

Tanisha Cardozo

While it may go unnoticed by the naked eye, Australia is on the move — quite literally. The land Down Under is drifting northward at an impressive pace of approximately 7 centimeters per year, making it the fastest-moving continent on Earth.

This drift is caused by the Indo-Australian tectonic plate, which is being pushed by mantle convection currents — the same forces that have shaped our planet for billions of years. Over decades, this subtle movement becomes significant: Australia’s geographic coordinates have shifted by more than a meter since the 1990s.

Why it Matters

One of the immediate impacts of this movement is on GPS accuracy. Navigation systems, which rely on fixed coordinates, must be regularly updated to align with the continent’s current position. Without these adjustments, mapping and tracking data can become increasingly inaccurate.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Looking at the long-term picture, this tectonic journey means that Australia is slowly creeping toward Asia. Geologists predict that millions of years from now, this drift could lead to a major continental collision, reshaping the geography of the planet as we know it.

Earth in Motion

Australia’s movement serves as a powerful reminder that Earth is not static — it’s a dynamic, ever-changing system. The slow dance of tectonic plates continues to mold our world, moving continents, forming mountains, and creating earthquakes.

So next time your GPS takes an odd turn, consider this: the ground beneath your feet might have moved — just a little.

International

Australia Bans Social Media Accounts for Under-16s, Including YouTube, from December 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

MELBOURNE, July 30 — In a historic reversal of its earlier decision, the Australian government has confirmed that YouTube will be included in its upcoming ban on social media platforms for children under 16. This groundbreaking regulation takes effect on December 10, 2025, and will subject non-compliant platforms to fines as high as AU$50 million (US$33 million).

YouTube was originally exempt from the legislation passed in November 2024, which introduced age restrictions for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. However, following new research and public concern, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that YouTube will no longer receive special treatment.

“The evidence cannot be ignored that four out of 10 Australian kids report that their most recent harm was on YouTube,” said Wells. “We will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the wellbeing of Australian kids.”

The ban prohibits children under 16 from creating social media accounts, though it does not entirely block access to platforms or their content. This means children may still view videos but cannot sign in or interact via personal accounts.

YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., criticized the decision, calling it a reversal of a prior public commitment. The company insists that it functions as a video-sharing platform, not social media.

“Our position remains clear: YouTube is not social media,” a spokesperson said. “We’ll consider next steps and continue engaging with the government.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his strong support for the measure and announced that Australia would push for global social media age bans at a United Nations forum in New York this September.

While critics have raised questions about implementation, Minister Wells confirmed that the government would not require sensitive ID documents like passports or driver’s licenses. Instead, platforms are expected to use non-invasive age verification technologies.

Exemptions to the ban include platforms and apps dedicated to education, health, online gaming, and private messaging.

The move comes amid growing concern about the negative effects of social media on children, including mental health issues, sleep disruption, addiction, and exposure to harmful content.

This Australian-led initiative may mark a turning point in how nations approach child protection in the digital age.