In a bold move to protect kids online, the Australian government has introduced new legislation aimed at setting an age limit of 16 for social media use. If passed, the bill would hold platforms accountable for ensuring that no child under the age of 16 can access social media sites like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared, making it clear that the government is taking action to address rising concerns over children’s online safety.
The legislation, which is set to be introduced in Parliament during its final two weeks of the year starting November 18, would give social media platforms 12 months to implement the age restriction. This grace period will allow companies time to block access for Australian children under 16.
“I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, and carers, and they, like me, are deeply concerned about our kids’ safety online,” Albanese added.
The move comes as governments around the world struggle to find the best ways to protect young people from the darker side of social media and smartphones. Under the proposed law, social media platforms would face penalties if they fail to enforce the age limit, but children and parents won’t be penalized for any violations.
“The onus will be on social media companies to prove they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese said. “It’s not up to parents or kids.”
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has indicated that it will comply with any age restrictions the government puts in place. However, Antigone Davis, Meta’s head of safety, called for more in-depth conversations about how to protect kids online, warning that simply enforcing an age limit may not address the root problems.
A Step Toward Safer Social Media or a Step Too Far?
The proposed law would include exemptions, such as allowing kids to access platforms for educational purposes. However, Albanese made it clear that parental consent would not grant children under 16 permission to use social media.
Earlier this year, the Australian government began trialling age-restriction technologies, and the eSafety Commissioner will use the results of these trials to guide social media companies on how to comply with the new rules.
