.webp)
Australia Proposes Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s
In a world-first legislative proposal, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, declaring "Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I'm calling time on it."
## Sweeping Changes Proposed
The proposed legislation, set to be introduced to parliament by year's end, would implement a comprehensive ban that would:
- Prohibit all children under 16 from using social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
- Apply to both new and existing users
- Not allow exceptions even with parental consent
- Take effect 12 months after the law passes
- Place enforcement responsibility on tech companies
## Current Social Media Usage and Concerns
Australia's youth rank among the world's most connected, with statistics showing:
- 97% of Australian teenagers use social media
- The average teen uses four different platforms
- According to a 2024 ReachOut survey, nearly two-thirds of Australian parents express concern about their teenagers' social media use
## Mental Health Impact
Research indicates significant mental health implications:
- Studies cited by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggest users spending more than three hours daily on social media face twice the risk of depression and anxiety
- A Medibank Loneliness Population Index survey reveals over half of Australians experience weekly loneliness
- Among lonely 16-24-year-olds, social media was identified as the primary trigger
- 40% of young adults report that seeing social event posts triggers feelings of isolation
## Expert Opposition
Despite the intended benefits, the proposal faces substantial criticism from experts:
- Over 140 Australian and international academics specializing in technology and child welfare have signed an open letter opposing the age limit
- Experts argue the ban is "too blunt an instrument" to address social media risks effectively
- Professor Lisa M. Given of RMIT University highlights significant technical challenges in age verification
- Critics warn the ban could disconnect vulnerable groups, including migrants, LGBT+ youth, and refugees, from vital support networks
## Implementation Challenges
Several practical obstacles face the proposed ban:
- Age verification for existing accounts presents significant technical difficulties
- Previous international attempts at enforcing age restrictions have largely failed
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide easy workarounds
- A similar age-verification trial in France revealed nearly half of teenagers could circumvent restrictions using VPNs
## Public Response
Despite implementation concerns, there appears to be some public support for regulation:
- 58% of respondents aged 16-24 favor banning under-16s from social media
- Parents have expressed support for reducing screen time in favor of physical activities
- However, experts warn the ban might create a false sense of security while limiting access to important information and support resources
The proposal represents a significant step in the global conversation about protecting young people online, though its effectiveness and practicality remain subjects of debate among experts and stakeholders.
@sydneymorningherald Children under 16 will be blocked from signing up to social media under sweeing new laws #AnthonyAlbanese plans to introduce. #australia ♬ original sound - Sydney Morning Herald
