States and Territories Show Support for Proposed Law Banning Under 16s from Social Media Access
Australia is taking steps to restrict young people’s exposure to social media at a rapid pace.
The proposal by the Albanese government to limit social media access for children under 16 has gained approval from all six Australian states and two territories.
Under the new law, tech companies that do not enforce age restrictions will face significant penalties.
The bill, set to be introduced in Parliament in the upcoming sitting fortnight, will hold social media platforms accountable for ensuring compliance with age restrictions, rather than placing the responsibility on parents or children themselves.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the new legislation will safeguard children from online dangers while providing parents with clearer guidelines.
“Social media is causing harm to our children. It’s time to put a stop to it,” stated Albanese.
During a National Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on Nov. 8, Albanese stressed the need for consistency nationwide.
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While Tasmania initially pushed for the age limit to be set at 14, it eventually supported the federal government’s decision.
“This is a national issue that demands national leadership. That’s what our government is committed to delivering,” the PM added.
No Exceptions for Existing Accounts or Parental Consent
According to Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, the age threshold strikes a balance between protecting young people from online harm and considering their development and access to essential online services.
“Establishing a minimum age for social media access is about safeguarding young people—not punishing or isolating them,” stated the minister.
She also emphasized the importance of social media platforms taking responsibility for the safety of their users, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
“This measure is a crucial part of our efforts in the online safety realm and will empower young people to use the internet in a safer and more positive manner,” said Rowland.
The new law will not make exceptions for existing accounts or parental consent. This means that children who have already created social media accounts will not be allowed access without meeting the age criteria.
Platforms will have up to 12 months to implement the necessary systems and processes following the bill’s enactment.
During this transition period, the government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation.
Broad Political Consensus
Both major political parties in Australia have supported the decision to set 16 as the minimum age for social media access.
The opposition has shown approval, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton writing to the prime minister advocating for immediate enforcement of the laws rather than waiting for a 12-month preparation period.
The letter also emphasized that major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, will not be exempt from the new regulations.
“They will not be exempt, as they fall under the category of age-restricted services as defined in the legislation, similar to alcohol being an age-limited product,” Rowland clarified.
