In a bold move aimed at safeguarding young Australians, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a proposed ban on social media access for children under 16. This initiative, intended to shield minors from the growing risks of online exposure, could make Australia a global leader in social media regulation for youth.
Albanese shared the proposal in a recent press conference, stating, “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it.” This new legislation, expected to reach parliament later this year, would require social media platforms to adopt stringent age verification measures, ensuring that no users under 16 can access their services.
Should the policy be approved, the regulations would come into effect one year after parliamentary ratification. Popular platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube would be held accountable for implementing these access restrictions. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland highlighted that this responsibility would rest with the platforms themselves, alleviating the need for parents or young users to monitor compliance.
The proposed legislation would prevent anyone under 16 from creating accounts on these platforms, with no exemptions allowed—even with parental consent. This strict stance underlines the government’s commitment to addressing rising concerns about the mental health effects of social media on younger generations. By taking this decisive action, Australia aims to set an international standard for protecting children in the digital age, reinforcing its role as a trailblazer in global social media reform.