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Australia Plans Ban on Most Children Using Social Media

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.

Australian Financial Review

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.”

He added that parental consent would not work to enable access to social media. The ban's imposition will reportedly be overseen by Australia's eSafety commissioner, who will issue regulatory guidelines. "This one is for the mums and dads," the Prime Minister said.

Australia is reportedly already holding age verification technology trials using biometrics and government identification to enforce restrictions on social media. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the ban would impact platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Reuters

Al Jazeera

Some platforms already bar those under 13 from opening accounts, though enforcing the rule is challenging. Meanwhile, the opposition has also committed to similar social media age-based restrictions if it wins the 2025 election.

The Conversation

Australia has often locked horns with technology firms over issues including misinformation and mental health. In 2021, it made Facebook and Google pay for news content, and has previously sued X for failing to remove a terrorist attack video from its platform.

Bloomberg.com

SBS News

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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.

Australian Financial Review #

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.”

CNN #

He said users will not be penalized and parental consent wouldn't work to access social media. The ban's imposition will be overseen by Australia's eSafety commissioner who will issue regulatory guidelines. "This one is for the mums and dads..." the Prime Minister said.

UPI #

Australia is reportedly already holding age verification technology trials using biometrics and government identification for social media age cut-off. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the ban would impact platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Reuters #

Al Jazeera #

The law will place the onus on tech firms to enforce the ban. Some platforms already bar those under 13 from opening accounts, although enforcing the rule is difficult. The opposition has, meanwhile, already promised to filter out those under 16 if it wins the 2025 election.

The Conversation #

ABC #

Australia has often locked horns with technology firms often over issues like misinformation and mental health. In 2021, it made Facebook and Google pay for news content; it sued X for not removing a terrorist attack video. But many feel this under-16 policy may backfire.

Bloomberg.com #

SBS News #

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.

Crikey

Crikey #

Yes, we should be banning social media for under-16s — big tech does not see us as humans

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.

Parenting for a Digital Future

Parenting for a Digital Future #

Culturally diverse teens greatly benefit from social media – banning it would cause harm

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.

There is a 40% chance the Coalition will win the next Australian federal election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus2

Coalition Wins Australian Federal Election

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Australia Set to Ban Social Media Access to Those Aged Below 16

Australia

Children and youth

Computers & internet

Social media age restrictions are a necessary step in protecting children from online harm and poor mental health. 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. This 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.

Australia Set to Ban Under-16s From Social Media

Australia Set to Ban Under-16s From Social Media Access to Those Aged Below 16

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

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