The Australian government plans to introduce groundbreaking legislation to prohibit children under 16 from using social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the bill, set to be introduced next week, aims to protect children from the harmful effects of social media.
“This is for the parents who, like me, worry about their kids’ online safety. The government stands with Australian families,” said Albanese.
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The proposed law will require social media platforms to implement measures preventing underage access, with oversight by the eSafety Commissioner. However, it will not penalize users, and children already active on social media will not be affected. The law, if passed, will come into effect after 12 months, followed by a review.
While many experts agree that social media poses risks to adolescents’ mental health, some argue a ban might only delay exposure rather than teach safe online habits. The Child Rights Taskforce criticized the plan as overly restrictive, suggesting safety standards and education as better alternatives.
Supporters of the ban, like the 36Months initiative, highlight concerns about exposure to harmful content, misinformation, and online bullying. They argue that excessive social media use is negatively impacting young brains during critical developmental stages, contributing to a rise in mental health issues.
Albanese dismissed the idea that education alone could address the issue, pointing to the overwhelming influence of algorithms and tech companies. “Even as adults, we encounter unwanted content online. Imagine how it affects a vulnerable 14-year-old,” he said.
