Australia Proposes Ban on Children Under 16 from Social Media. Australia is set to introduce a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. The government aims to protect children from potential online dangers, such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy breaches. The proposal requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to verify the age of users before allowing account creation.
Parents must give consent for children aged 13 to 16 to access social media. Children under 13 will be completely restricted from these platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government stresses that safeguarding children online is a top priority.
“Protecting children online is essential,” a government spokesperson said. The law seeks to limit harmful exposure and give parents more control over their children’s digital activity.
However, critics question how platforms will enforce age verification without violating privacy. They also worry that banning younger users could socially isolate children in an increasingly digital world.
Moreover, the proposed law has sparked widespread debate among parents, educators, and tech companies. Some parents support the stricter regulations, believing they will reduce the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health. Others worry that it could prevent children from developing digital literacy skills crucial for the modern world.
Tech companies, on the other hand, may face significant costs and challenges in enforcing age verification on their platforms. The debate is expected to intensify as the legislation moves through the parliamentary process, with stakeholders pushing for adjustments that balance child safety with privacy and practicality.
In response, the government plans to implement a secure age-verification system that balances privacy and effectiveness. Social media companies will be required to adopt strong methods to prevent children from accessing restricted platforms. Platforms failing to comply will face heavy penalties.
Australia is not alone in tightening online rules for children. The UK has introduced similar legislation to combat online risks, making this a growing trend worldwide.
The proposed Australian law is expected to be debated in parliament soon. If passed, the new regulations could come into effect as early as 2025, making the country one of the strictest globally in limiting children’s access to social media. The law could significantly reshape how children engage with digital platforms.
