The Australian government plans to introduce a law banning social media use for children under 16, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling it a “world-leading package” that could come into effect late next year.
Australia is currently testing an age-verification system to prevent children from accessing social media, part of a set of tough new regulations that would be among the strictest in the world.
“Social media is harming our kids, and I’m calling to it,” Albanese said at a press conference. He highlighted the physical and mental health risks linked to heavy social media use, especially the impact on girls facing unrealistic body image expectations and boys exposed to misogynistic content.
“If you’re 14 and dealing with this, while also navigating life changes, it can be a very challenging time. We’re listening, and now we’re acting,” he added.
Several countries have already pledged to regulate children’s social media use, but Australia’s policy stands out as one of the strictest.
Australia plans to set the highest age limit globally, barring anyone under 16 from social media, with no exceptions for parental consent or existing accounts. Unlike other places, Australia is also testing age-verification measures like biometrics or government ID to enforce this age cut-off, a first in social media regulations.
Australia to Ban Social Media for Those Under 16, Here’s Why world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World Breaking Headlines Today
