Australia to ban all social media for under-16s
The Australian government has announced groundbreaking legislation that will introduce a minimum age requirement for children using social media platforms. Under the new law, Australian youths must be 16 years or older to access online social networks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the need to protect children from the dangers of social media, stating, “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it.”
The legislation is set to be presented in the Australian parliament during the final two weeks of the session this year, commencing on November 18. Once passed, the age restriction will come into effect within 12 months. Platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will be required to implement measures to prevent children under 16 in Australia from using their services.
Prime Minister Albanese highlighted that social media platforms would face penalties for failing to comply with the age limit, shifting the responsibility away from parents and young users. Meta’s Head of Safety, Antigone Davis, expressed willingness to adhere to any age restrictions imposed by the government. However, she stressed the importance of developing effective protection mechanisms to truly safeguard teenagers online.
While some experts and mental health advocates have raised concerns about the ban, citing potential negative consequences such as driving social media activity underground, the government remains firm in its decision. Child psychologist Philip Tam suggested that setting a minimum age of 12 or 13 could be more enforceable.
Despite opposition from some quarters, Prime Minister Albanese assured that there would be exceptions for cases where access to social media is essential for educational purposes. However, parental consent alone will not grant children under 16 permission to use social media platforms.
The move by the Australian government has sparked debate among various stakeholders, from tech companies to mental health services. As discussions continue on the best approach to safeguarding young users online, the global community will be watching closely to see the impact of Australia’s pioneering legislation on social media usage among minors.
The decision to ban social media for under-16s in Australia represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by online platforms and ensuring the protection of vulnerable young users. With the deadline for implementation approaching, all eyes will be on how social media companies adapt to comply with the new regulations and prioritise the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.