The Australian government has announced plans to implement what it describes as “world-leading” legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the upcoming legislation, set to be presented in parliament next week, seeks to address social media’s negative impact on Australian children.
“This message is directed towards parents…” Many people share concerns about the safety of children online, including myself. “I want Australian families to be aware that the government is here to support you,” he stated.
The government has announced that the proposed ban will not affect young individuals active on social media, although many specifics remain open for discussion.
Even with parental consent, exceptions on the age limit for children will not be permitted. The government has stated that social media platforms will be responsible for demonstrating that they are implementing reasonable measures to restrict access.
Albanese stated that users would not face penalties, emphasizing that the responsibility for enforcing the laws would lie with Australia’s online regulator, the eSafety Commissioner.
The proposed legislation will take effect one year after its passage and will be reviewed once implemented.
While a consensus exists among experts regarding the detrimental impact of social media platforms on adolescent mental health, opinions diverge on the effectiveness of outright banning these platforms.
Experts contend that imposing bans merely postpones young people’s engagement with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook rather than equipping them with the skills to navigate intricate online environments effectively.
Efforts to limit access, notably those initiated by the European Union, have predominantly fallen short or encountered significant resistance from technology companies. Questions persist regarding the feasibility of implementation, particularly in light of existing tools that bypass age verification requirements.
Australia‘s prominent child rights advocacy group has strongly criticized the proposed ban, describing it as “too blunt an instrument.”
In an open letter addressed to the government in October, more than 100 academics and 20 civil society organizations urged Prime Minister Albanese to consider implementing “safety standards” for social media platforms.
The organization highlighted recommendations from the United Nations, stating that “national policies” intended to govern online spaces “should focus on enabling children to benefit from interacting with the digital environment while ensuring their safe access to it.”
Grassroots campaigners have actively lobbied the Australian government for the implementation of laws aimed at safeguarding children from harmful content, misinformation, bullying, and various social pressures.
A petition launched by the 36Months initiative has garnered more than 125,000 signatures, asserting that children are “not yet ready to navigate online social networks safely” until they reach at least 16. The petition further claims that “excessive social media use is rewiring young brains within a critical window of psychological development, causing an epidemic of mental illness.”
In response to inquiries about the necessity for expanded educational initiatives aimed at helping children understand the advantages and dangers of online engagement, Albanese expressed scepticism. He argued that such a strategy would fall short, as it “assumes an equal power relationship.”
Many users report experiencing unwanted notifications and pop-ups on their systems, raising concerns about their digital experience. “This is especially concerning when it involves a vulnerable 14-year-old,” he stated during a press conference on Thursday.
“The influence of these technology companies is remarkable.” The algorithms embedded in these applications are designed to influence user behaviour in specific ways.
