Australia Has a Plan to Keep Young People Off Social Media: Ban Them From Using Them

The debate over establishing a minimum age for people to use social media generates divided opinions. Some argue that setting an age limit fails to address the underlying issues, while others believe restricting access would help protect minors from potential harm.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has championed the idea of protecting young people from social media, has announced that his government will introduce a minimum age for using these sites. The plan has been on the table since this summer. Recently, officials revealed that the minimum age will be 16 years old and that it will formally discuss the law next week.

Albanese’s stance. During a press conference, the Australian prime minister said, “social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it. I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back. I want parents to be able to say, ‘Sorry mate, it’s against the law for me to get you to do this.’”

With his comments, Albanese refers to parents’ ability to permit their children to use social media platforms, which is impossible under this legislation. Regardless of whether the parents give permission or not, the child won’t be able to use these platforms until they’re 16 years old. This measure doesn’t seem to apply to minors already on social media platforms.

Responsible? Under the proposed law, social media platforms—not parents or young users—would be responsible for enforcing age restrictions. “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese said. “There will be no sanctions for users.” Once the law takes effect—12 months after approval—the e-Safety Commissioner will oversee enforcement.

Addressing loopholes. Several challenges remain. First, the government must define what it considers a “social media platform.” Without a clear definition, platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitch, Fortnite, and Roblox could be grouped with Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. “We think there will be some exclusions and exemptions to avoid unintended consequences,” Albanese stated. The government must also clarify age verification processes, address privacy concerns, and prevent potential fraud.

A complex issue. Setting a minimum age for social media platforms is difficult, as each country has its own standards. Although the proposed ban aims to protect minors from harmful content, it may only delay underlying issues rather than solve them.

An alternative approach could focus on education. This would include training minors in social media use and teaching parents about parental control tools, which Meta reports are often underutilized. Social media platforms, like the Internet, aren’t inherently harmful. They offer positive aspects that policymakers should consider. However, it’s essential to educate users on distinguishing fact from fiction and recognizing harmful behavior online.

Image | Gaelle Marcel (Unsplash)

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