Australia is set to ban social media for children under the age of 16 years. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that his government will pass new laws banning children under 16 from using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. According to a report in BBC, the Prime Minister said that the proposed laws will be tabled in parliament next week.
These were aimed at mitigating the “harm” social media was inflicting on Australian children. He said, “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.
” While many of the details are yet to be debated, the government said the ban would apply to young people already on social media. According to reports, Australia’s proposals are the highest age limit set by any country with no exemption for parental consent and no exemption for pre-existing accounts. A report in Reuters says that legislation will be introduced in the Australian parliament this year with the laws coming into effect 12 months after being ratified by lawmakers, Albanese said.
The opposition Liberal Party has expressed support for a ban. Albanese said, “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access. The onus won't be on parents or young people.
” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said, “What we are announcing here.
