In a year, under 16's in Australia will no longer be allowed to access social media.

The Australian Senate has passed laws banning them from accessing the platforms.

The ban will come into force at the end of next year -- social media companies will face fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to keep children off.

Senior researcher at Koi Tu Centre for Informed Futures Dr Felicia Low, told Kerre Woodham parents need to be able to have a say in what their children are doing.

She says it can be easier if there's a top-down approach where a law is in place, so children can't argue against it.

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