Govt To Ban Under-16s From Social Media

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a landmark plan to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, citing the “real harm” these platforms can inflict on young users.

Albanese shared details of the proposed social media ban on Thursday, November 7, 2024, vowing to hold tech giants accountable for enforcing the new age limit, with significant fines for any lapses.

“This one is for the mums and dads,” Albanese said in a statement outside parliament. “Social media is doing real harm to kids, and I’m calling time on it.” The proposed age restriction would make Australia one of the strictest nations globally in regulating young people’s access to social media, marking a bold attempt to address growing concerns around children’s exposure to harmful content online.

Albanese highlighted the negative impacts of social media on young people, particularly teens to push the case for the ban. “I get things popping up on my system that I don’t want to see, let alone a vulnerable 14-year-old,” he said, noting that unrealistic body images frequently displayed online contribute to body image issues among young users.

The legislation will be presented to state and territory leaders for approval before heading to parliament in late November. If passed, social media companies will be given a year to enforce the ban, with the burden of compliance placed on the platforms themselves—not on parents or young people. “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese explained, calling it a “world-leading” reform.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has voiced its intention to comply with the age limit, with Head of Safety Antigone Davis urging caution in implementation. “Poorly drafted laws risk making ourselves feel better, like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place,” she said, signaling concerns about unintended consequences.

Industry body DIGI and other social media representatives have also raised issues about the potential drawbacks. DIGI warned that banning teens could restrict their access to valuable resources, such as mental health support. “Swimming has risks, but we don’t ban young people from the beach,” a DIGI spokeswoman said. “We teach them to swim between the flags.”

Meanwhile, TikTok has refrained from commenting on the proposed social media ban, choosing to wait for further developments. The bill is expected to generate robust debate, as it aims to redefine online safety and provide a safer digital environment for young Australians, balancing tech innovation with public welfare.
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