Canberra
Australia’s National Cabinet has agreed to set the minimum age for accessing social media at 16 on Friday, as part of new legislation aimed at safeguarding the mental health and safety of young Australians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the harmful effects of social media on youth, stating, “Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians and I am calling time on it.” He stressed that the government is committed to prioritizing the well-being of young people and offering support to parents and teachers grappling with the issue.
The legislation builds on efforts made earlier this year, including a $6.5 million investment to trial age-assurance measures and protect children from harmful online content. Albanese stated that the proposal was developed after extensive consultations with parents, educators, academics, and child development experts across the country.
The new law will hold social media platforms accountable for ensuring that users meet the age requirements. It will not take effect for at least 12 months after receiving Royal Assent.
In a bid to emphasize the importance of real-life interactions, the Prime Minister drew parallels to the successful banning of phones in classrooms, which has seen positive effects on students’ concentration and socializing.
While Tasmania initially proposed a lower minimum age, the move to set the age at 16 has been deemed crucial for national uniformity in policy.
