Australia proposes legal minimum age for children accessing social media
Associated PressSEP 20 2024
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the policy aims to protect young people from online bullying and mental health consequences, while encouraging real-world experiences over digital interactions.
The government plans to conduct age verification technology trials to determine both implementation methods and the ideal minimum age for social media access across all Australian territories.
South Australia has already proposed fining social media companies that allow users under 14 on their platforms, while the opposition Liberal Party supports a nationwide 16-year age limit.
The proposed restrictions constitute a problematic and blunt approach that could harm rather than protect young people. The policy risks cutting off vulnerable youth from valuable online support communities and educational resources. Age verification measures might push children toward more dangerous corners of the internet while seeking to evade restrictions.