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.
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 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. Australia's nationwide approach ensures consistent protection across all 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.
Just as teenagers have always found ways to sneak into clubs or acquire forbidden items, the proposed Australian ban on social media for under-16s is like trying to trap the wind. Where there's teenage determination, there's always a way around restrictions. Consider how readily young people currently circumvent age limits on dating apps, alcohol purchases, and adult websites. Simply erecting digital barriers won't work. The kids are smart, you see.