Australia plans to impose a minimum age limit of up to 16 for social media use, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The initiative aims to protect youth from the harmful effects of social media on mental health while promoting physical activities. Age verification trials will commence soon.
The Australian government has announced plans to impose a ban on social media usage for children, introducing a minimum age limit that could be set as high as 16 years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed this initiative on September 10, emphasizing the need to shift children away from screens and encourage more physical activity, such as sports. The proposed legislation aims to mitigate what Albanese referred to as the "scourge" of social media's negative impact on youth mental health.
While the specific age threshold for accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok remains undecided, Albanese expressed a preference for restricting access to users under 16. Age verification trials will be conducted in the coming months, although experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such age limits effectively. Analysts caution that current age verification methods are often unreliable and could compromise user privacy.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton supports the initiative, arguing that delays in implementing such measures leave children vulnerable to social media's harmful effects. However, some scholars warn that limiting access may not necessarily protect at-risk youth and could exclude them from valuable online interactions. Instead, they advocate for more stringent regulations on social media platforms themselves, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to addressing the challenges posed by digital engagement in children's lives.
