The world's first social media ban for children under 16 was hailed Australia's Prime Minister, but critics said it does nothing to address harmful content existing on the internet, saying children "absolutely will bypass it".

The new law will deliver a message to tech companies to "clean up their act," the country's prime minister has said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday social media platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of children, after the country's parliament passed a bill banning those under the age of 16 from using the services.