Australia is set to introduce new legislation that will prevent children under 16 from accessing social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday, marking a significant move aimed at protecting young users online.
“This one is for the mums and dads. Social media is doing real harm to kids and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese stated in an AFP report, emphasizing the growing concern about the impact of online platforms on children.
The Prime Minister noted that tech companies and social media platforms would be responsible for verifying users’ ages, relieving parents of the burden. “The onus will not be on parents or young people. There will be no penalties for users,” he clarified, addressing potential concerns about enforcement.
This plan follows Albanese’s previous discussions earlier this year about introducing an age limit for social media, but this is the first time he has confirmed the specific age of 16. The proposed changes have already seen widespread bipartisan support in the country.
Albanese indicated that the proposed laws would be discussed with state and territory leaders this week, with plans to bring the new legislation before parliament by late November.
