On September 19, 2024, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to ban minors from using social media, marking a significant policy shift aimed at addressing growing concerns about the impact of online platforms on youth. The proposed ban would restrict access to social media across all devices for children, extending beyond public schools where smartphone use is already prohibited.
Albanese emphasized the need for action, citing parental worries about children's social media usage. A YouGov survey indicated that 61% of Australians support restricting access to social media for those under 17. The government has not confirmed the specific age limit but has suggested it could be between 14 and 16 years.
A comprehensive review led by former Chief Justice Robert French has proposed the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024, recommending an age limit of 14. However, the initiative faces criticism from experts who argue that a blanket ban could hinder access to essential online services and lead to unintended consequences, such as increased secrecy among minors using social media.
Critics also highlight the challenges of implementing an effective age verification system, which would require cooperation among various service providers and raise data privacy concerns. Additionally, some experts warn that the proposed ban may simply push young users towards less regulated platforms, potentially exposing them to greater risks.
Globally, similar initiatives have met with mixed results. The United States' Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have attempted to regulate children's online access, but critics argue these measures often fall short. For instance, the EU's 2015 proposal to ban children under 16 from accessing the internet without parental consent faced significant backlash from tech firms and human rights advocates.
As Australia moves forward with its proposed ban, the international community watches closely, considering the implications for digital policy and child safety in an increasingly connected world.