Australia plans to ban children under 16 from using social media, with support from families who have lost loved ones to online harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this decision, saying it aims to protect kids and give parents peace of mind. The new rule would place responsibility on social media companies to enforce the age limit, without penalising users.
The proposal will be discussed at a virtual meeting of national leaders. Robb Evans, holding an urn for his 15-year-old daughter Olivia, shared his family’s experience. Olivia struggled with an eating disorder and was exposed to harmful content online. “Liv can’t speak for herself now, but she would have wanted change to help others,” Evans said.
If passed, the law will be enforced by the eSafety Commissioner, starting 12 months after approval. David Coleman, from the opposition, stressed the importance of strong legislation, saying it’s essential to protect kids and cover all platforms. He added that social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram aren’t safe for children.
Felicity McVay, a former TikTok executive, said tech companies need to be held accountable to protect young people’s mental health. Some Australian states are already exploring similar rules, with South Australia proposing fines for companies that don’t comply.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland described the laws as leading-edge, balancing the need to reduce harm while allowing safe social connections. The government will also introduce privacy protections for verifying users’ ages.
