Australian prime ministers and chief ministers have endorsed age limits for social media, with the world's first legislation set to be introduced next week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
During the National Cabinet meeting on Friday, Albanese confirmed that the age limit for social media would be 16 years.
“Social media is causing social harm to our young Australians… the safety and mental health of our young people must be a priority,” he said.
“My government will do everything we can to protect our young Australians, but also to provide support to parents and teachers facing these issues. I want Australian parents to know we stand with you.”
Albanese said Tasmania, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Guy Barnett, would have preferred to set the age limit at 14.
He said Barnett had outlined the Tasmanian government's concerns and formal position but “did not want to get in the way of national uniformity” and ultimately agreed that “a national decision and process was paramount”.
All other prime ministers and prime ministers supported the sixteen-year limit, the Albanians said.
What are the key elements of the social media ban?
Albanian has outlined five key elements of the social media ban. They include:
- Set a minimum age of 16 years.
- Establishing an obligation on social media services – and not on parents or young people – to take reasonable steps to prevent age-restricted users from getting the account.
- Commencement within 12 months of adoption of the bill.
- A provision of exemptions to ensure young Australians continue to access the services they need.
- Robust protection of personal information and significant fines if platforms violate these provisions.
The legislation will also include a two-year provision to review the legislation.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says a ban on social media will protect young people. Source: MONKEY / Mick Tsikas
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit was the result of “extensive consultation”, and that the legislation was about “protecting young people, not punishing them”.
“National Cabinet voted that this legislation would strike a balance between minimizing the harm young people experience during a critical period of their development and supporting their access to benefits,” she said.
“It is a national challenge that requires national leadership and that is why we are working closely with the states and territories to take strong action.”
The coalition supports the move and opposition leader Peter Dutton had previously said he would introduce a ban if he won the next federal election.
Mixed reactions to social media ban
The social media ban has been welcomed by advocates, but has also been met with some skepticism.
Robb Evans began advocating for an age limit on social media after the tragic death of his 15-year-old daughter Liv. He believes social media fueled her eating disorder.
“These would have protected her. Liv may no longer have a voice, but I know she wanted to create change for other young girls and people suffering from eating disorders,” he said.
“Social media is a big part of that, and it's getting worse and worse for our kids, so I think this is exactly the right thing to do.”
But some experts have warned the policy could backfire.
Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Center at Queensland University of Technology, said a tailored approach is needed around media literacy and working with appropriate use of digital technologies.
“It also means those children may not seek help and advice if they feel they are doing something wrong online,” he said.
“And so it creates a shameful discourse around the use of those platforms and the problem could even disappear.”
Lisa Give, professor of Information Science at RMIT University, said some children may be able to get around the ban and find ways to access or create accounts.
“A young person can access someone else's account on a home computer or perhaps through a friend's phone, who is actually of legal age and has access to the account,” she said.
“For many children, where there is a will, there is a way. They will find those solutions.”
For support with eating disorders or body image issues, call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit www.vlinder.org.au to chat or email online, 7 days a week, 8am to midnight (AEST/AEDT).
Readers seeking mental health support can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at . supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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