Australia proposes legal minimum age for children accessing social media
Associated PressSep 05, 2024
Australia Thursday announced plans to implement a minimum age requirement, likely between 14 and 16 years, for social media access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will convene the national cabinet Friday to agree to the new laws imposing penalties on non-compliant platforms.
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.Albanese said the "world leading" legislation will be introduced in parliament during its final two weeks in session this year beginning on Nov. 18 and will come into effect 12 months being ratified. He said social media was harming "our kids and I’m calling time on it.”
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.
The social media age restriction represents a necessary step to protect children from online harm and mental health consequences. Parents are deeply concerned about their children's social media exposure and need government support to navigate these challenges. The nationwide approach ensures consistent protection across all Australian territories.
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.