Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, citing concerns about the harmful effects of excessive use. The legislation, passed by the Australian Senate on Thursday, applies to platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and has sparked debates about the role of government in children’s lives.
The new law places the responsibility on social media companies to enforce the age restrictions. Platforms have one year to implement compliance measures, including potential age verification systems, to prevent minors from creating accounts. Failure to comply could result in fines as high as $33 million.
Proponents argue the law addresses serious risks posed by social media, including body image issues, online bullying, and exposure to harmful content. Several tragic cases of teen suicides in Australia have been linked to online harassment, fueling public support for stricter regulations. A recent poll revealed that 77% of Australians back the ban, a significant increase in approval from earlier this year.
Critics, however, question the rushed nature of the legislation. Opponents, including Senator Matt Canavan, have raised concerns about privacy risks tied to potential age verification methods, such as biometric scans or government-issued identification. Major tech companies, including Meta and Google, have also called for more time to evaluate the ban’s implications.
While some argue that Australia’s government is overreaching, others see the move as a positive step toward protecting children from the dangers of excessive social media use. Research has increasingly shown that these platforms can harm young users’ mental and emotional well-being.
This law marks one of the most stringent social media restrictions for minors globally, offering a bold example for other nations grappling with how to safeguard children in the digital age.
