In a decisive move to safeguard the mental health and well-being of its younger citizens, Australia is setting a global precedent by proposing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a firm stance, stating that the time has come to mitigate the harmful impacts that social media can have on the youth.

The announcement on Thursday revealed that the government had reached a consensus to establish a minimum age requirement for social media usage.

'Social media is harming our kids, and I'm calling time on it,' declared the Prime Minister.

A ban on social media for children under 16 is set to be introduced in Australia to mitigate harm to young people. Credit: Facebook

This bold initiative will be discussed in a Friday meeting with the nation's leaders.

Under the proposed legislation, the companies that run social media platforms will be responsible for preventing underage access.

They must demonstrate that they are taking reasonable steps to enforce the age restriction.

'The onus won't be on parents or young people. The Prime Minister assured there will be no user penalties, emphasising the focus is on regulation rather than penalisation.

The eSafety Commissioner will play a crucial role in overseeing and enforcing the new regulations, which are slated to take effect 12 months after Parliament passes the legislation.

This gives social media companies and families ample time to prepare for the changes.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has described the proposed laws as 'world-leading.'

She explained that the government's approach is pragmatic, aiming to balance reducing the potential harms of social media and maintaining the benefits of connection and inclusion that these platforms can provide.

In addition to the age restriction, the government plans to introduce privacy protections for the information collected to verify users' ages.

This is a critical component of the legislation, ensuring that the privacy of young Australians is not compromised when these safeguards are implemented.

As grandparents, it's essential to understand the implications of this proposed ban.

While it aims to protect your grandchildren from the potential dangers of social media, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the pressure of social comparison

It also raises questions about how young people will navigate the digital world.

In other news, South Australia plans to ban social media for children under 14 to protect their mental well-being.

The ban targets issues like bullying, exploitation, and the negative impact on mental health, including anxiety and depression. You can read more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• Australia intends to introduce a ban on social media for children under 16 to mitigate the harm caused to young people.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government's agreement to set a minimum age for social media access.
• The proposed regulation will require social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent access by those under 16, with no penalties for young users.
• The eSafety Commissioner will oversee and enforce the legislation, which is expected to be effective 12 months after passing parliament.

What are your thoughts on Australia's proposed social media ban for under 16s? How do you think it will impact your family? Share your views and join the conversation in the comments below.

 

[deni67]

Good, Facebook has it's own rule that you have to be at least 13 to use the platform, although I still think that is too low!

 

[Wandiwa]

Good in principal, very hard to enforce.

 

[GrannyJA!]

I have read that this ban will also (possibly) include gaming. My grandkids live many hours away and I am often invited to join the eldest grandson in games (approved by his mother). This fun interaction could seemingly be removed. I think a lot more thought needs to go into these things. All things in moderation, and with parental supervision, would be my take on the issue. (By the way, this kid studies, works, reads and helps maintain the family home, and does chores. It's not like he has unlimited 'social media or gaming' time).

 

[HelenJo]

I give it a big tick of approval. Usage is out of control.
Too harmful to our vulnerable children/grandchildren.
If it saves a life well worth it.

 

[Mr Chips]

I think it is just fine, hopefully, it will keep the little scammers and trouble-causers under some control. Modern youth seems to think that older people ar fair game for insults and have no respect for our mature age. Obviously, it does not apply to all youth today, but parents do not involve themselves in good advice, particularly regarding social media. Parents should be responsible for their children's use of everything on social media platforms. If the child is found to be lacking in control of his social media then it should be a fine or jail time or both for a parent. That would force parental control to be revived and would contribute to better quality adults in the future. These kids nowadays just have no respect, there are however exceptions and I would hope that this would not impair their use of the internet. My Godson who is 9 years old suffers from a severe defect of the brain due to a mistake by the hospital at birth resulting in a lack of oxygen during birth. This affected his ability to control some of his body functions but has heightened his thirst for knowledge. He searches the internet for subjects he likes such as Astronomy, Mathematics, History, and others. His capacity for remembering information is astounding. He can recite all the American Presidents and tell you about each one, he can give descriptions and known facts about most celestial bodies, he taught himself to speak and read Chinese and is in the process of teaching his father. In his case, the use of the internet (supervised) is a godsend. Apparently at school if a question is asked that there is no known answer the phrase is often said is "ask David, he knows everything" and he virtually does. Not bad for a 9-year-old.

 

[Col@45]

Great news....social media is the cause of so many problems with young kids.
It's good that Albanese has taken a stance on banning it for under 16's, but I'm sure kids will find a way around it !
Things like Tic Toc do so much harm and should be banned.

 

[IAN3005]

People can't control their children so we will leave it up to the government.
Fine state of affairs!!!!
Wonder what next they will control.....

 

[summadale]

People can't control their children so we will leave it up to the government.
Fine state of affairs!!!!
Wonder what next they will control.....

We the rest of us will be controlled. So they bring this in and hope to distract us by what they are planning. The Disinformation Bill is on its way to the Senate, we have 10 days to send a petition to parliamentarians to stop this censorship.

 

[Jest]

and they think this will work. we have some very stupid parents who need to take a long hard look at themselves and I bet they will undo any good. another government idea to supervise idiots.

 

[Jest]

I think it is just fine, hopefully, it will keep the little scammers and trouble-causers under some control. Modern youth seems to think that older people ar fair game for insults and have no respect for our mature age. Obviously, it does not apply to all youth today, but parents do not involve themselves in good advice, particularly regarding social media. Parents should be responsible for their children's use of everything on social media platforms. If the child is found to be lacking in control of his social media then it should be a fine or jail time or both for a parent. That would force parental control to be revived and would contribute to better quality adults in the future. These kids nowadays just have no respect, there are however exceptions and I would hope that this would not impair their use of the internet. My Godson who is 9 years old suffers from a severe defect of the brain due to a mistake by the hospital at birth resulting in a lack of oxygen during birth. This affected his ability to control some of his body functions but has heightened his thirst for knowledge. He searches the internet for subjects he likes such as Astronomy, Mathematics, History, and others. His capacity for remembering information is astounding. He can recite all the American Presidents and tell you about each one, he can give descriptions and known facts about most celestial bodies, he taught himself to speak and read Chinese and is in the process of teaching his father. In his case, the use of the internet (supervised) is a godsend. Apparently at school if a question is asked that there is no known answer the phrase is often said is "ask David, he knows everything" and he virtually does. Not bad for a 9-year-old.

blame the parents. manners are taught at first breath.

 

[Ebby]

I think it is just fine, hopefully, it will keep the little scammers and trouble-causers under some control. Modern youth seems to think that older people ar fair game for insults and have no respect for our mature age. Obviously, it does not apply to all youth today, but parents do not involve themselves in good advice, particularly regarding social media. Parents should be responsible for their children's use of everything on social media platforms. If the child is found to be lacking in control of his social media then it should be a fine or jail time or both for a parent. That would force parental control to be revived and would contribute to better quality adults in the future. These kids nowadays just have no respect, there are however exceptions and I would hope that this would not impair their use of the internet. My Godson who is 9 years old suffers from a severe defect of the brain due to a mistake by the hospital at birth resulting in a lack of oxygen during birth. This affected his ability to control some of his body functions but has heightened his thirst for knowledge. He searches the internet for subjects he likes such as Astronomy, Mathematics, History, and others. His capacity for remembering information is astounding. He can recite all the American Presidents and tell you about each one, he can give descriptions and known facts about most celestial bodies, he taught himself to speak and read Chinese and is in the process of teaching his father. In his case, the use of the internet (supervised) is a godsend. Apparently at school if a question is asked that there is no known answer the phrase is often said is "ask David, he knows everything" and he virtually does. Not bad for a 9-year-old.

Bless his heart! so clever at his age to do so many things

 

[Dirtdevil]

All though I agree that social media is a problem to our children, i don’t see how it will work Or policed. there are plenty of sites now that ask if your eighteen or over. You just hit yes and off you go.
No matter what is done by the government there will be someone that will put it out there how to get around it.

 

[Tindle]

Impossible to enforce ...or is it just another way for the Government to keep tabs on EVERYONE. Will I have to supply a document or photo to prove who I am, scammers will be loving this. My Drivers license was hacked in the Optus debacle ... Will we get the usual, yeah, yeah, your information is perfectly safe with us ..