Social media ban explained: when does it start in Australia, how will it work and what apps are being banned for under-16s?

Australia’s social media ban has come into effect today. How will it work and which platforms will be included on the full list of banned apps? Here’s what you need to know. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Australia’s world-first social media ban for children under the age of 16 has come into effect on Wednesday.

The tech platforms – large and small – are working on functionality that will kick off existing under-16 account holders and prevent any new ones from signing up.