The Australian government has introduced legislation to enforce a minimum age limit of 16 for social media use, marking a bold step toward regulating children’s digital access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the plan on Thursday, citing increasing concerns about online safety and the impact of social media on youth mental health. Set for a parliamentary vote in late November, the law would go into effect 12 months after its passage, giving platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook a year to develop measures to restrict access for underage users.
Albanese emphasized that responsibility for enforcing the age limit would rest solely on social media platforms, sparing parents and children from penalties. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has expressed tentative support for the measure but called for more comprehensive discussions on implementing protections effectively.
Reactions to the proposed age limit have been mixed. Some child welfare experts argue that a blanket age restriction may drive young users to bypass rules, making it harder to monitor their online behavior. Mental health advocates have noted that many young Australians use social media to access mental health support, and banning access could have unintended consequences. Meanwhile, Australia’s opposition party has signaled support for the age limit, stressing that platforms have the necessary technology to enforce it effectively.
The legislation is part of Australia’s larger effort to curb the risks associated with social media and create safer digital spaces for young people. The year-long implementation period is expected to provide social media companies with ample time to adopt compliance measures.