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Australia’s government plans to introduce what it describes as "world-leading" legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced.
Set to be introduced in Parliament next week, the proposed laws target the harm Albanese says social media is inflicting on young Australians. "This one is for the mums and dads," he said. "They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back."
Under the draft legislation, the ban would extend to all users under 16, including those currently active on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Social media companies would be responsible for verifying the age of users and preventing access to young people.
Parental consent will not provide an exemption to the ban. The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s digital safety regulator, would oversee enforcement, though no penalties would be directed at individual users. Once passed, the law would take effect in 12 months and be subject to a review after implementation.
While there is widespread concern over the impact of social media on adolescents' mental health, experts remain divided on the efficacy of a ban. Some argue that age restrictions may only delay exposure rather than equip young users to handle online challenges.
A coalition of child rights advocates, including the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, has criticized the proposed legislation as too restrictive. In an October letter, the group urged the government to focus on imposing safety standards for social media platforms, rather than outright bans. The group cited UN guidance that emphasizes providing children with safe, beneficial engagement with digital spaces.
However, grassroots campaigners contend that stricter measures are overdue. A petition by the 36Months initiative, signed by over 125,000 people, argues that children are "not yet ready to navigate online social networks safely" and warns that excessive social media use is disrupting mental health during crucial developmental years.
When asked if education could help children manage online risks, Albanese suggested it was insufficient, describing the power imbalance between children and tech companies. "These tech companies are incredibly powerful," he said. "These apps have algorithms that drive people toward certain behavior. I get things on my feed I don’t want to see—imagine a vulnerable 14-year-old."
[Information sourced from BBC]
