Australia moves to limit social media for children

• Published On: 10 September 2024 at 18:23

Australia is preparing to impose one of the world's first minimum age restrictions for social media use, citing growing concerns about the impact on children's mental and physical health.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the initiative, which is part of a larger effort to reduce social media's negative impact on society.

"I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts," Albanese said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "We need to ensure they have real experiences with real people, as social media is contributing to social harm."

The move comes after a parliamentary inquiry heard emotional testimonies about the negative mental health effects of social media on teenagers. Although the exact age limit has not been confirmed, Albanese predicted it would be between 14 and 16.

The government intends to conduct an age verification trial before formally implementing the legislation later this year. However, digital rights organisations have expressed concern that the restrictions will force young users to conceal their online activities, potentially leading to more dangerous behaviour. Critics also argue that enforcing the age limit may prove difficult.

Despite these challenges, the Australian government is determined to move forward, emphasising the importance of protecting children from the negative consequences of excessive social media use.