Australia plans to introduce legislation banning social media use for children under 16, aiming to protect young users from online harm.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the government’s responsibility to safeguard children, stating that the law is a response to parental concerns over online safety.
The ban will not apply retroactively to existing young users, and there will be no exemptions, even with parental consent. Social media platforms will be required to demonstrate compliance, enforced by the eSafety Commissioner.
The law, if passed, would be enacted a year later and reviewed over time.
The legislation has sparked debate. While some experts agree social media negatively affects adolescent mental health, others argue that an outright ban might only delay children’s exposure to these platforms, rather than preparing them to navigate them responsibly.
Advocacy groups, including the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, argue that enforcing safety standards rather than banning access could provide safer engagement with digital spaces, as recommended by the UN.
However, supporters, like the grassroots 36Months initiative, contend that a ban is necessary, citing concerns about mental health and exposure to harmful content. Albanese dismissed education-only approaches, highlighting the unequal influence of tech companies on young minds.
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