Australia to tighten reins: New law bans teens from social media
Children's presence on social media concerns politicians, parents, and experts from various fields. Many emphasize issues related to threats such as social media addiction or potential fraud. Politicians are increasingly proposing legal regulations regarding access to social media.
12:59 PM EST, November 11, 2024
Funny videos on TikTok, playing with filters on Snapchat, sharing photos on Instagram, or communicating via WhatsApp—social media has become a significant part of people's lives worldwide, transforming how they spend time and communicate. Despite its many benefits, social media poses substantial risks, including addiction and impacts on mental health. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to potential problems associated with being online.
Australian prime minister wants to limit access to social media
The Australian government has announced changes regarding access to social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a press conference, "This one is for the mums and dads... They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back." Albanese added that social media affects young people's mental and physical health.
What will the changes involve? The law will prohibit children and teenagers under the age of 16 from using social media. Parental consent or prior presence on social media will not change this. Everyone will be subject to the same regulations. The ban will cover platforms belonging to the Meta corporation, namely Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, portal X, and possibly YouTube. The responsibility for verifying users' ages will lie with the social media companies, and they will be held accountable for non-compliance. "Social media platforms would be penalized for breaching the age limit, but under-age children and their parents would not," said Anthony Albanese. Although the new regulations require numerous amendments, they are expected to be effective by the end of 2025.
