Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce legislation setting a minimum age limit for social media use, citing concerns over children’s mental and physical health. The proposed law, expected to be implemented by the end of 2024, will likely set the minimum age between 14 and 16 years old, with Albanese personally favoring 16 as the cutoff.’I want to see kids away from their screens and onto the footy fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts,’ Albanese stated, emphasizing the importance of real-life experiences for children. The Prime Minister described social media as a ‘scourge’ for young people, highlighting issues such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.The government plans to conduct age verification trials in the coming months before finalizing the legislation. This move follows a request from the Australian electronic security regulator in July for internet companies to develop a code of practice to prevent children from accessing inappropriate material online.While the proposal has garnered support from many, including opposition leader Peter Dutton, some experts have raised concerns. Critics argue that an age limit may not help troubled children and could drive them to ‘lower quality online spaces’. Associate Professor Tanya Notley from Western Sydney University pointed out that social media can also be a force for good, supporting civic engagement and friendships.The initiative aligns with similar measures in other countries, such as the European Union, the US, and South Korea. A June survey by Essential Media found that 68% of Australians support the move. However, the technology to reliably enforce such bans remains uncertain, with experts noting that current age verification methods are ‘unreliable, too easy to circumvent, or risk user privacy’.As the debate continues, the Australian government faces the challenge of balancing child protection with concerns about digital rights and the potential exclusion of young people from meaningful online participation.
Key points
- Australian government plans to set a minimum age limit (likely 14-16) for social media use by end of 2024.
- Prime Minister Albanese cites concerns over children’s mental health and exposure to inappropriate content.
- The proposal has both supporters and critics, with experts warning of potential negative consequences and implementation challenges.
Contradictions👾While the government aims to protect children, some experts argue that the age limit could drive troubled children to ‘lower quality online spaces’.
👾Despite concerns about social media’s negative impacts, some researchers point out its potential benefits for civic engagement and friendships.
