The government is going to ban kids under 16 from using social media. This is because social media can be harmful to young minds. The new law will make it harder for kids to sign up for apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Companies will have to check whether users are old enough.
Australia has announced plans to ban children under 16 from using social media. This ban cites concerns over the harmful effects of platforms like Facebook and TikTok on young users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made this announcement on Thursday, calling for stronger controls to protect kids from cyberbullying, body image issues, and other negative influences. He argued that social media poses significant risks to children’s mental and physical health.
Under the new law, tech companies would be responsible for enforcing this age restriction. They could face substantial fines if they fail to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms. Albanese emphasized that this burden of enforcement would fall on the tech giants, not on parents or young users. “This one is for the mums and dads,” he said, adding that social media’s influence was “doing real harm to our kids.”
Australia’s proposed restrictions are among the strictest globally. Unlike in other countries, parents would not be able to consent for children under the age limit to use social media. The government is considering age-verification measures, such as biometrics, to enforce this rule. Although critics have raised concerns over privacy risks and technical challenges.
Major platforms, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok, have responded cautiously to the proposed ban. While Meta stated that it would respect any age limitations set by the government, some industry representatives worry the measure could push teenagers to unregulated corners of the internet. Sunita Bose, the head of Australia’s Digital Industry Group, argued that a blanket ban may not be effective, advocating instead for age-appropriate digital spaces and stronger digital literacy programs.
Australia’s move comes as countries worldwide grapple with the effects of social media on young people. For instance, France implemented age-verification rules for users under 15, and China has restricted social media usage for minors. Albanese hopes this “world-leading” approach will offer a stronger safety net for Australian children, addressing growing concerns over the influence of social media in their lives.
