Australia is setting a new standard with a world-first law that bans social media access for kids under 16. Passed by both chambers of the Australian Parliament, the bill makes Australia the first country to impose such strict age restrictions. The new constraint is driven by concerns over children’s mental health and the harms social media can cause.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The Law’s Key Details
Australia’s new law prohibits anyone under 16 from using social media. Platforms will be required to block underage access or face hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (roughly €30.8 million). Social media companies will have until the end of 2025 to implement the changes. This is a significant step, as Australia will have the highest age limit for social media use globally .
Supporters of the bill argue that it will protect children from the negative effects of social media, including issues related to mental health, self-esteem, and online bullying. The law comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on the well-being of minors, with politicians from both major parties backing the measure .
The Reaction
While the law has garnered bipartisan support, it hasn’t been universally welcomed. Critics, including child welfare groups and mental health advocates, argue that it could harm vulnerable young people. Some worry that cutting off social media access might isolate children, especially those in regional areas or those from the LGBTQI community, who rely on online platforms for support and connection .
Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, pointed out that the law overlooks the positive roles social media can play, such as providing emotional support and a sense of community for young people .
Global Context
Australia’s move comes after other countries have explored similar measures. In France, for example, children under 15 cannot use social media without parental consent. The U.S. state of Utah also tried to impose restrictions on underage social media use; its law was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge.
TF Summary: What’s Next?
As Australia’s social media ban for those under 16 moves closer to becoming law, social platforms have to find new ways to comply with these strict regulations. While the government claims the law is in the best interest of children, the debate over its potential consequences will continue.
Over the next year, platforms need to figure out how to prevent underage users from accessing their services. The law’s true impact — on both child welfare and the future of social media use in Australia — remains to be seen.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech