Australia Bans Under-16s From Using Social Media – Platforms Criticize Decision
Australia has enacted groundbreaking legislation barring children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, even with parental consent. The move, aimed at protecting young users from online harm, has drawn sharp criticism from tech giants like Meta and TikTok, who argue the decision lacks sufficient evidence and consultation.
A Controversial Ban
The legislation, passed in Australia’s House of Representatives with bipartisan support, seeks to address the potential risks social media poses to young users’ mental health and well-being. Lawmakers justified the measure as a step to shield future generations from exposure to harmful content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
“This is about ensuring that young Australians are not subjected to damaging content at a formative stage of their lives,” proponents of the bill stated.
Despite this rationale, the swift approval of the legislation – following a one-day inquiry into 15,000 public submissions – has sparked concerns about its development process.
Tech Industry Criticisms
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, voiced strong opposition, calling the legislation rushed and poorly founded. A spokesperson stated, “The process failed to properly consider the evidence, the voices of young people, and the measures already in place to create age-appropriate experiences.”
Meta also pointed to a parliamentary committee’s recent finding that “the causal link between social media and mental health issues remains unclear,” arguing that the legislation lacked a robust evidentiary basis.
TikTok echoed these sentiments, urging the government to collaborate with the industry to address the issues raised by the hurried process. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, added that many questions remain about how the law will be enforced.
Divided Public Opinion
The ban has gained support from some Australians, including over 128,000 signatories of a petition urging the minimum age for social media use to be raised to 16. However, critics argue the measure is overly simplistic.
The Australian Child Rights Taskforce described the law as “too blunt an instrument” and called for enforceable safety standards for platforms instead. Similarly, some politicians criticised the bill as outdated, with one describing it as “a 1970 solution for a 2024 problem.”
Enforcement and Global Implications
Companies failing to comply face fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 32.5 million), though questions remain about how the law will be implemented and monitored.
The legislation’s introduction has caught the attention of other nations, including the UK and several European countries, which are reportedly exploring similar age restrictions on social media platforms.
Broader Debate on Mental Health
This development adds to a longstanding global debate over the impact of social media on young users’ mental health. While some studies and lawsuits have highlighted the negative effects of online platforms, including a “mental health crisis” among children as claimed by Seattle schools last year, others have questioned these conclusions.
For instance, a 2023 study involving data from over 2 million people found no conclusive evidence linking social media use with poor mental health, challenging the narrative that digital platforms are inherently harmful.
As Australia’s legislation takes effect, it remains to be seen whether this bold move will serve as a model for other countries or face significant hurdles in implementation and acceptance.
