Australia to Introduce Social Media Ban for Under-16s to Protect Children
Australia’s government has announced plans to introduce “world-leading” legislation aimed at banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. The proposed law, set to be presented in Parliament next week, is designed to address the negative impact social media is having on young Australians, particularly their mental health.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern for the safety of children online, stating, “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.”
The legislation will not apply to children who are already using social media but will require platforms to take steps to prevent access for those under 16. There will be no exemptions for children who have parental consent to access these platforms. The government emphasized that the responsibility would lie with social media companies to prove they are taking adequate measures to block underage users.
The enforcement of this law will be handled by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, with no penalties imposed on individual users. After passing, the legislation will come into effect within 12 months, with a review planned to assess its effectiveness.
While there is general agreement among experts about the potential harms of social media on young people’s mental health, opinions remain divided on the approach. Some argue that banning access altogether may not be the most effective solution, suggesting it could delay, rather than prevent, exposure to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Others stress the importance of equipping children with the skills to navigate digital spaces safely rather than imposing outright bans.
In opposition to the proposed ban, the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, a prominent child advocacy group, criticized the policy as “too blunt an instrument.” They advocate for the government to impose “safety standards” on social media platforms instead, in line with UN recommendations aimed at ensuring safe access to the digital world for children.
However, grassroots campaigns supporting the ban argue that children are not yet equipped to manage the risks associated with social media, such as bullying, misinformation, and mental health pressures. A petition by the 36Months initiative, with over 125,000 signatures, asserts that excessive social media use is harming children’s psychological development and contributing to a mental health crisis.
Prime Minister Albanese defended the ban, stating that a more educational approach would not be sufficient, as it assumes an “equal power relationship” between children and tech companies. He pointed out that the algorithms behind these platforms often push harmful content to vulnerable users, further justifying the need for stronger regulation.