Australia is set to become one of the first nations to establish a minimum age limit for children using social media, citing growing concerns about the impact on young people’s mental and physical health.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the move, which comes as part of a broader effort to address the negative effects of social media on society.
Albanese revealed that the government would begin with an age verification trial before officially introducing the age restriction laws later this year.
While he did not confirm the exact age, he indicated it would likely fall between 14 and 16.
“I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, the swimming pools, and the tennis courts,” Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
“We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm.”
The proposed legislation follows a parliamentary inquiry that has gathered emotional testimony about the harmful mental health effects of social media on teenagers.
However, digital rights advocates have voiced concerns that the new restrictions may drive young people to hide their online activity, potentially leading to more dangerous behavior. Critics also argue that enforcing such age limits could prove difficult.
Australia’s move follows previous, unsuccessful attempts in other regions, such as the European Union, where similar proposals faced resistance over concerns about restricting the digital rights of minors.
Despite the potential challenges, the Australian government is determined to push forward, citing the need to protect children from the negative consequences of excessive social media use.
