Australia's Prime Minister announced a groundbreaking policy to ban social media for children under 16, citing the harm it causes to young users. The legislation, set to be introduced this year and enforced 12 months after ratification, will hold social media platforms accountable for preventing access to underage users.
The ban will apply to major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, with no exemptions even with parental consent. This move places the responsibility on social media companies to implement measures to restrict underage access, shifting the burden away from parents and young individuals.
While several countries have taken steps to regulate social media use by minors, Australia's approach is considered one of the strictest. France previously proposed a ban for those under 15, albeit with parental consent exceptions. In contrast, the United States has long required parental consent for children under 13 to access online services.
This initiative reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's well-being and mental health. By taking a proactive stance, Australia aims to protect its youth from potential harms associated with unrestricted social media use.
