Social media restrictions on children in Australia
In Australia in 2024, a plan was discussed to ban children from social media websites such as Facebook, TikTok, and X until they reach age 16.[1] There are plans to introduce legislation to the Parliament of Australia during their final two weeks in session, which began on November 18.[1][2]
The plan is supported by the governments of every Australian state and mainland territory.[1] The mother of a teen who was murdered by an online predator is a supporter of the plan.[1] Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has described social media as a "scourge", said "I want people to spend more time on the footy field or the netball court than they’re spending on their phones", said that family members are "worried sick about the safety of our kids online", and said that social media "is having a negative impact on young people’s mental health and on anxiety".[3] The opposition party, led by Peter Dutton, campaigned on a promise to implement a ban within 100 days of being elected, calling it one of his highest priorities.[3]
The opposition organized an open letter signed by 140 experts who specialize in child welfare and technology.[1] The opposition is concerned about the invasion of privacy that will occur with the introduction of identification-based age checks.[1] An advocacy group for digital companies in Australia called the plans a "20th Century response to 21st Century challenges".[2] A director of a mental health service voiced concerns, stating that "73% of young people [...] accessing mental health support did so through social media".[2]
There are plans to give social media companies a transition period of one year after the law is implemented to begin enforcing it.[1] As of June 2024, there exists a government-funded trial of age verification.[3] The system would be enforced by fining social media companies up to AUD $50 million for violations, with no consequences for parents or children that violate the restrictions.[2][4] An official at Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has stated that they plan to comply with any laws regarding age restrictions for children in Australia.[2] There may not be an exception to the ban even if the child has parental consent.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Australia's plan to ban children from social media proves popular and problematic". AP News. 2024-11-15. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ a b c d e f "Australia proposes social media ban for children under the age of 16". NPR. 2024-11-07. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ a b c Middleton, Karen (2024-06-13). "Albanese follows Dutton's lead with tougher position on children's social media ban". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ McGuirk, Rod (2024-11-20). "Australia won't force social media users to share their personal details when child ban takes effect". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-11-20.