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Australia proposes a 16-year age limit for children on social media

Australia proposes a 16-year age limit for children on social media

Australia proposes a 16-year age limit for children on social media

The government cites impact on mental and physical health in upcoming legislation

The government cites impact on mental and physical health in upcoming legislation

The government cites impact on mental and physical health in upcoming legislation

Group of happy children sitting on the floor, smiling and using smartphones
Group of happy children sitting on the floor, smiling and using smartphones
Group of happy children sitting on the floor, smiling and using smartphones

Highlights:

  • Australia’s government plans to ban social media use for children under 16 to protect their mental and physical health.

  • The legislation will mandate social media companies to prevent young users from accessing their platforms.

  • The law, set for Parliament debate on November 18, will be enforced a year after ratification, with no parental consent exceptions.

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Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media use for children under 16, citing concerns about the harm it is causing to young people. "Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it," Albanese said during a news conference. 

This move comes after discussions on the impact of excessive social media use on Australian children. In September, Albanese said its government plans to ban children from social media over mental and physical health concerns. 

Legislation to be introduced

The Australian government is preparing to legislate this ban. It will hold social media platforms accountable for keeping children under 16 off their sites. Albanese said it will be up to social media platforms to ensure they comply with keeping kids under 16 off their sites. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,” he said. 

Timeline for implementation

The proposed legislation will be introduced in Parliament during its final two weeks of session, starting on November 18. Albanese confirmed that the age limit would take effect a year after the law is ratified, with no exceptions for parental consent.

Age verification systems

As part of these measures, the Australian government is trialing an age-verification system to block children from accessing social media. The country is launching a $6.5 million trial to test a system that not only blocks access to adult content but also restricts young users from social media platforms. 

Albanese had previously explained that this trial would explore age-assurance products to protect children from online harm, while also assessing privacy and security concerns.

11/11/2024

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