Australia is considering banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighting the negative impact of these platforms on young people. The legislation, which is expected to be introduced this year, aims to encourage children to engage in real-life activities instead of spending too much time online.
While the specific age limit has not been confirmed yet, Albanese expressed his preference for a minimum age of 16 to access social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. The government is currently conducting an age verification trial to test different approaches and determine the most effective strategy.
However, critics like analyst Daniel Angus warn that such a ban may not address the root causes of social media-related issues. Concerns have been raised about potential negative consequences, including driving children to less regulated online spaces.
Despite the challenges, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the need to address online bullying and harmful content on social media platforms, stressing the companies’ responsibility to protect young users.