Australia plans to ban social media for kids under age 16
Short summary:
Australia is planning to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. This will become one of the strictest policies globally.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, citing concerns over its harmful effects on young users. The proposed legislation, expected to be introduced this year, would require platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube to prevent children from accessing their services, regardless of parental consent. If passed, the law would take effect one year after ratification, making Australia’s approach one of the strictest globally.
This initiative aligns with growing international efforts to regulate social media use among minors. For example, Norway recently announced plans to raise its social media age limit from 13 to 15, emphasizing the need to counteract the influence of profit-driven tech companies on children’s development. These measures reflect increasing awareness of the potential mental health and well-being challenges posed by social media.
Australia’s proposal adds to the global conversation about balancing technology’s benefits with its risks. As concerns over children’s mental health rise, this legislation could set a precedent for other nations considering similar age-based restrictions on social media usage.