Australia is set to implement a ban on children using social media, with a proposed minimum age limit potentially as high as 16. The new regulations aim to address concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and safety. The measures are part of a broader initiative to protect children from online risks and ensure a safer digital environment.
Australia will implement a ban on children using social media, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing a proposed minimum age limit potentially as high as 16. Albanese described social media’s impact on young people as a “scourge” and emphasized the goal of encouraging children to engage in more physical activities, such as playing sports. Federal legislation to enforce this ban will be introduced later this year. While the exact minimum age for accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has not yet been determined, it is anticipated to fall between 14 and 16 years.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed a preference for setting the minimum age limit for social media users at 16. He announced that age verification trials will be conducted in the coming months to explore the feasibility of enforcing this restriction. However, analysts have raised concerns about the technical challenges of implementing a strict online age limit.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized his desire to see children spend more time engaging in physical activities like sports and swimming rather than on social media, citing the negative impact of social media on mental health. He described social media as a “scourge” and expressed concern about its detrimental effects on young people’s well-being.
Australia’s conservative opposition leader, Peter Dutton, supported the introduction of an age limit, stressing that delays in addressing social media harms leave children vulnerable. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such age restrictions. Toby Murray, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, noted that current age verification methods are unreliable, easily circumvented, and could compromise user privacy.
Analysts have cautioned that imposing an age limit might not effectively address the root issues. Daniel Angus from Queensland University of Technology warned that excluding young people from the digital world could cause more harm than good, while Samantha Schulz from the University of Adelaide argued that focusing on regulating social media platforms is more crucial than imposing age restrictions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that parents are demanding action against online bullying and harmful content on social media. He criticized social media companies for their lack of accountability, asserting that they believe themselves to be above regulation. Albanese emphasized the government’s determination to enforce social responsibility on these platforms.
Australia has been a leader in global efforts to regulate social media, with its online safety watchdog frequently clashing with platforms like Elon Musk’s X over content moderation issues.
