In a bold move to protect young Australians from online harms, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled plans to ban social media access for children under 16. The proposed legislation, expected to be introduced next year, would require age verification technology across all major platforms.
The Mental Health Imperative
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Albanese emphasised the government's duty to safeguard children's wellbeing: "We cannot stand by while social media companies profit from our kids' attention at the expense of their mental health." The announcement follows alarming statistics showing rising rates of anxiety and depression among Australian youth.
How the Ban Would Work
- Mandatory age verification for all social media platforms
- Fines of up to $10 million for companies failing to comply
- Parental exemption system for mature 14-15 year olds
- New digital literacy programs in schools
Mixed Reactions from Experts
While child safety advocates have welcomed the proposal, digital rights groups warn of unintended consequences. Dr Emily Tan, a cyberpsychology researcher at Sydney University, cautions: "Blanket bans often drive young people to use platforms more secretively. Education and parental guidance remain crucial."
The government plans to consult with tech companies over the coming months to finalise implementation details. If passed, Australia would join a growing list of countries imposing age-based social media restrictions.
