Australia has introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at banning social media access for children under the age of 16, making it one of the world’s strictest crackdowns on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The new rules were approved by the Australian Senate on Thursday with 34 votes in favor and 19 against. The legislation requires social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from accessing their services. Failure to comply could result in fines up to AU$50 million (US$32.5 million).
While the new laws are set to pass, many social media firms have criticized the rules as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.” The legislation will now return to the lower house for final approval, which is expected before becoming law.
Opponents of the ban, including Greens politician Sarah Hanson-Young, argue that it won’t make social media safer for young people. She emphasized that the real issue is the addiction to algorithms that drive anxiety and harm, not the platforms themselves.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government has been pushing for these changes, has strongly supported the bill, positioning it as a response to the growing concerns over peer pressure, anxiety, scams, and online predators. Albanese also urged young Australians to step away from their phones and engage more in physical activities like sports.
However, young social media users, such as 12-year-old Angus Lydom, expressed their disappointment with the ban. Lydom shared that he enjoys connecting with his friends online and that the idea of being cut off from social media feels strange. Similarly, 11-year-old Elsie Arkinstall believes that social media has educational benefits, especially for learning activities like baking or art tutorials.
Although this ban represents one of the strictest measures globally, experts have raised concerns about how the law will be enforced. The current version of the legislation lacks specific details on enforcement, leading some to question whether it will be a symbolic law with limited impact. It is expected that the details of how the law will be implemented will take at least 12 months to work out.
Some platforms, like WhatsApp and YouTube, may be exempt from the ban due to their utility in education and recreation. Amendments have been made to ensure that government-issued digital IDs cannot be used to verify age under this legislation.
Social media expert Susan Grantham recommended the adoption of digital literacy programs that encourage children to think critically about online content, similar to Finland’s approach. Many countries are closely watching Australia’s approach to this issue, with several considering similar measures, though none have yet been enacted.
Countries like China have already imposed restrictions on minors, limiting online gaming and social media access for children. Since 2021, minors in China are restricted to just 40 minutes a day on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok).
