REUTERS—Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access to platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook from midnight.

Ten of the biggest platforms were ordered to block children from midnight on Wednesday (1300 GMT on Tuesday) or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) under the new law, which drew criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by parents and child advocates.

The ban is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s health and safety.

Former Chicago Mayor and Barack Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel praised the move, writing, “It’s........

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