Australia Plans To Ban Social Media For Under-16s With Strict Age Verification

Sydney, November 7, 2024: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday that Australia plans to introduce legislation banning social media use for children under 16, making it the strictest regulation globally. The proposed law, set to be introduced to Parliament this year, aims to limit social media access for young Australians, with potential enforcement by late 2025.

Australia is currently testing stringent age-verification systems, including biometrics and government-issued IDs, to prevent minors from creating social media accounts. Unlike other countries, Australia’s proposal sets the highest age restriction yet, with no exceptions for parental consent or pre-existing accounts. The move aims to address the negative impact of social media on children’s mental and physical health, particularly concerns around body image issues affecting young girls and exposure to harmful content directed at boys.

Albanese emphasized the risks associated with prolonged social media use among teens, which can include heightened anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content. Australia’s ban would join similar global efforts, as seen in France’s proposal last year to limit social media for under-15s and U.S. regulations that restrict access for children under 13.

With bipartisan support, the legislation is expected to gain traction in Parliament, underscoring a strong political commitment to protecting young Australians. If approved, it would go into effect one year after legislative approval.

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