Australia is set to introduce federal legislation later this year to impose a minimum age limit for children using social media, which could be as high as 16, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday. The move aims to reduce the negative impacts of social media on young people and encourage them to engage in more physical activities.
Albanese described social media as a “scourge” on young people, citing concerns over its effects on mental health. The age limit for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has yet to be finalized, but trials for age verification are already underway.
“I want to see kids off their devices and onto footy fields,” Albanese said, emphasizing the importance of real-life experiences over digital interactions.
While opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed support for the age limit, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of enforcing such restrictions, citing unreliable current age verification methods. Additionally, analysts have raised concerns that banning young users from social media might exclude them from healthy digital participation.
Albanese added that social media companies must take more responsibility in regulating harmful content. Australia has been a leader in efforts to hold social media platforms accountable, particularly in its dealings with Elon Musk’s platform, X, over content regulation.