Australia aims to ban social media for children under 16

In a bold move to protect young users, Australia is preparing to implement a nationwide ban on social media for anyone under the age of 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposal, citing growing concerns about the negative impact of social platforms on children’s mental health. “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” he stated, signaling a strong stance on youth internet safety.

The proposed legislation, set to enter parliament later this year, would take effect 12 months after being passed. Uniquely, the plan offers no allowances for parental consent, making social media companies directly responsible for ensuring compliance. Popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube may face strict requirements to verify users’ ages and block access to children under 16.

Australia’s policy, among the world’s toughest, reflects a global trend of increased regulation: Norway recently announced plans to raise its social media age limit to 15. Many countries are now pressing tech companies to prioritize child welfare over profit, setting the stage for a new era of social media accountability.