Australia’s government has announced a plan to introduce “world-leading” legislation that bans children under 16 from social media, citing concerns over the harm these platforms inflict on young people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that this move aims to protect Australian children from online risks, reassuring parents that the government has their backs.
“This one is for the mums and dads… They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,” Albanese said. “I want Australian families to know that the government has your back.”
The proposed laws, set to be tabled in parliament next week, will not apply to existing social media users under 16. However, there will be no exemptions for children who have parental consent. Instead, social media platforms will be responsible for preventing access to underage users.
Albanese clarified that users won’t face penalties, and enforcement will fall under the eSafety Commissioner’s purview. The legislation will take effect 12 months after passage and undergo a review afterward.
Experts are divided on the effectiveness of an outright ban. Some argue that it merely delays exposure to social media, rather than teaching children to navigate complex online spaces. Previous attempts at restricting access, such as those by the European Union, have largely failed or faced backlash from tech firms.
The Australian Child Rights Taskforce criticized the proposed ban as “too blunt an instrument,” advocating for “safety standards” on social media platforms instead.
In contrast, grassroots campaigners, including the 36-month initiative with over 125,000 signatures, support the ban to shield children from harmful content and social pressures.
When asked about educating children on online navigation, Albanese expressed concerns about the power dynamic between tech companies and young users. “I don’t know about you, but I get things popping up on my system that I don’t want to see. Let alone a vulnerable 14-year-old,” he said.
“These tech companies are incredibly powerful. These apps have algorithms that drive people towards certain behavior.”
The legislation will cover major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, with exemptions for educational platforms. Social media companies will have a year to implement age verification measures, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
