Australia Proposes Minimum Age for Social Media Use to Protect Children

Australia’s Push for Minimum Age on Social Media Use

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia took to his social media channels to unveil a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of children online. His government has expressed a desire to establish a minimum age requirement for using popular social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. Albanese stated that this measure is intended to mitigate online risks faced by younger users, declaring, “It’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.”

Currently, the government is contemplating setting the minimum age for social media use between 14 and 16 years old. In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the national broadcaster, Albanese confirmed that legislation would be introduced later this year, alongside trials of age-verification technology.

If Australia moves forward with such legislation, it would join a select group of countries taking a firm stance against minors using social media. Earlier this year, Florida implemented a law prohibiting children under the age of 14 from accessing social media platforms.

While platforms like Instagram, Facebook (owned by Meta), and TikTok generally require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, many underage children have circumvented these restrictions by providing false birth dates. This has led to a growing concern about the safety and well-being of young users online.

There appears to be widespread political consensus in Australia regarding the need for age restrictions on social media. The main opposition party has expressed its intention to limit social media access to individuals aged 16 and older. However, some experts caution that such restrictions could have unintended consequences. Daniel Angus, the director of the Digital Media Research Centre at the Queensland University of Technology, remarked, “Banning some social media platforms like Meta or TikTok would drive audiences to other platforms that are less regulated and less safe.”

Furthermore, Toby Murray, an associate professor of computing and information systems at the University of Melbourne, pointed out that social media often serves as a vital community space for young teenagers. He warned that restricting access could isolate marginalized groups from their peers, depriving them of valuable support networks.

In his remarks, Albanese underscored the importance of a balanced childhood, stating, “I want kids to have a childhood. I want them off their devices and onto the footy field and onto the netball courts.” His comments highlight a broader concern about the impact of excessive screen time on children’s development and well-being.

As of now, Meta has opted not to comment on the proposed legislation, and TikTok has not yet responded to requests for feedback.

Notably, in 2021, Australia implemented groundbreaking regulations that compelled major internet companies, including Google and Facebook, to negotiate licensing agreements with news publishers, marking a significant shift in the landscape of digital media regulation.