Australian lawmakers have advanced a bill aimed at banning social media use for children under the age of 16.
The legislation successfully passed the lower house of parliament on November 27, 2024, and is now poised for debate in the Senate.
If enacted, this law would compel major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from creating accounts. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a vocal advocate for the ban, emphasizing the potential dangers of social media. He argues that these platforms exacerbate issues like peer pressure, anxiety, and online predation among young users.
Albanese has called for a cultural shift, urging a focus on physical activities over screen time, stating, "We need to encourage our children to engage more with the world around them, rather than being glued to their screens."
Despite its intentions, the proposed legislation has faced criticism regarding its enforceability. Critics point out that age restrictions on social media can be easily bypassed, and the bill currently lacks detailed enforcement mechanisms.
These specifics are expected to be developed by regulators over the next year. Social media expert Susan Grantham has labeled the initiative a “knee-jerk reaction,” cautioning that it might isolate young people who rely on online communities for support.
The bill has garnered international attention, with countries like Spain and the United States considering similar measures. However, none have yet implemented such restrictions. Meanwhile, China has already imposed stringent limits on minors' access to social media, allowing only 40 minutes of use per day on platforms like Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
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