Pakistan, July 30 -- Australia has expanded its teen social media ban by including YouTube, reversing its earlier decision to exempt the platform. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the move is aimed at protecting children, saying, "I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." The decision comes after a government survey found 37% of minors encountered harmful content on YouTube-higher than on any other social platform.

The new rule, which takes effect in December, bans anyone under 16 from having a YouTube account. Parents and teachers will still be allowed to use the platform to show content to children. Though YouTube argues it is a video-sharing site, not a social network, critics point out its recommendation algo...