Australia to ban social media for children under 16 years

Australia is set to introduce new laws banning children under 16 from using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday. In a move to curb social media’s impact on young users, the new regulations would impose strict age restrictions, requiring tech companies to enforce the ban or face significant fines.

Albanese emphasized the rising concerns from parents and mental health experts over social media’s impact on youth, stating that platforms often expose young users to harmful content. "This one is for the mums and dads. Social media is doing real harm to kids, and I’m calling time on it," he said, stressing the need to protect young users from disturbing content and body image pressures.

The government plans to introduce these laws to parliament in November. Social media companies would have a year to develop and implement mechanisms to comply with the ban, though tech analysts have raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such an age limit. Exemptions are expected for educational platforms like YouTube, which children may need for schoolwork.

Australia’s broader social media reforms also include a “combating misinformation” bill, which gives authorities the power to fine tech companies for failing to curb harmful content. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland praised the under-16 ban and other social media reforms as “world-leading," warning companies that they will face financial consequences for non-compliance.

As Australia moves ahead with this landmark legislation, other nations may look to the country’s example in their efforts to address social media’s impact on youth mental health and online safety.