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.Australia on Thursday announced plans to implement a minimum age requirement — likely between 14 and 16 — for social media access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will convene the national cabinet on Friday to discuss introducing laws to impose 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.”Albanese said that the 'world leading' legislation will be introduced in parliament during its final two weeks in session this year and will come into effect 12 months after being ratified. He said social media was "[harming] our kids and I’m calling time on it.”
TheSocial social media age restrictionrestrictions representsare a necessary step toin protectprotecting children from online harm and poor 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. TheThis policy risks cutting off vulnerable youth from valuable online support communities and educational resources. Age verification measures might also push children toward more dangerous corners of the internet while seeking to evade restrictions.