Australia's government has announced plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the proposed laws, set to be presented in parliament next week, stating that the goal is to protect young Australians from the negative impacts of social media.
“This is for the parents who, like me, are deeply concerned about our children’s online safety. I want Australian families to feel assured that the government is taking steps to safeguard them,” Albanese said.
The specifics of the legislation are still under discussion, but the ban is intended to apply to new social media users under 16 and would not affect those already on platforms. The government has clarified that there would be no exceptions for children who have parental consent, and social media companies would be responsible for implementing measures to verify users’ ages and restrict underage access.
Under the new law, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner would be tasked with enforcing the regulations, though no penalties would be directed at individual users. If passed, the legislation would take effect 12 months after enactment and be reviewed afterward to assess its impact.
While many experts acknowledge that social media can negatively affect adolescent mental health, there is debate over the effectiveness of a ban. Some argue that preventing access only delays exposure to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, instead of teaching children how to navigate these online spaces safely.
Efforts in other regions, like the European Union, to restrict social media access for minors have often faced resistance from tech companies and encountered challenges in enforcement, particularly due to tools that bypass age-verification measures.
Australia’s largest child rights advocacy group has voiced concerns over the proposed ban, calling it “too blunt an instrument.” In an open letter signed by over 100 academics and 20 civil society organizations, the Australian Child Rights Taskforce urged the government to focus instead on enforcing “safety standards” for social media platforms. The group highlighted guidance from the United Nations recommending that national policies balance safe digital access for children with the benefits of online engagement.
On the other hand, some grassroots campaigners support the legislation, arguing that young people need stronger protections against online risks like misinformation, cyberbullying, and harmful content. The 36Months initiative, backed by over 125,000 signatures, claims that children are not developmentally ready to navigate social media safely until age 16. The group cites concerns that excessive social media use is impacting young people’s psychological development and contributing to rising mental health issues.
Addressing calls for broader online education, Albanese argued that education alone is insufficient. “This approach assumes an equal power dynamic,” he stated. “If I, as an adult, receive unwanted content, imagine a vulnerable 14-year-old navigating these platforms. Tech companies have immense influence, and their algorithms are designed to guide behavior.”
As Australia’s government considers this legislation, the debate continues on how best to balance protection with digital literacy for the nation’s youth.