The Australian government has announced plans to introduce groundbreaking legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media platforms, a move aimed at protecting minors from online harm.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the law, set to be tabled in parliament next week, is designed to safeguard young Australians amid growing concerns over the impact of social media on mental health.
“This one is for the mums and dads… 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,” Albanese said.
Under the proposed legislation, social media platforms will be responsible for verifying user age and ensuring those under 16 cannot access their services.
There will be no exemptions, even with parental consent. The enforcement of the new law will fall to Australia’s online regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, although there will be no penalties for users.
The law, once passed, will take effect 12 months later, with a scheduled review after its implementation.
However, the government clarified that it would not affect children currently on social media.
While many agree that social media can adversely affect adolescent mental health, some experts caution that an outright ban may have limited effectiveness.
In response to the proposed legislation, a coalition of over 100 academics and 20 civil society organizations from the Australian Child Rights Taskforce called for “safety standards” on platforms rather than a strict ban.
The group referenced UN guidance, stating, “National policies designed to regulate online spaces should be aimed at providing children with the opportunity to benefit from engaging with the digital environment and ensuring their safe access to it.”
On the other hand, advocates for the ban argue it is necessary to prevent children from exposure to harmful content and online bullying.
The grassroots initiative 36Months, which gathered over 125,000 signatures in support of the age limit, claims that “excessive social media use is rewiring young brains within a critical window of psychological development, causing an epidemic of mental illness.”
When asked if education on navigating the internet could be an alternative, Albanese argued that approach would be insufficient given the algorithms that drive certain behaviors.
“I don’t know about you, but I get things popping up on my system that I don’t want to see. Let alone a vulnerable 14-year-old,” he told reporters.
“These tech companies are incredibly powerful. These apps have algorithms that drive people towards certain behavior.”
This legislation would make Australia one of the few countries to impose such strict regulations on social media access for minors, setting a precedent for digital safety and child protection.
