Melbourne: In a major move aimed at safeguarding children online, the Australian government has unveiled new legislation to establish a minimum age of 16 for social media use. Announced on Thursday, this law, described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “world-leading,” will make social media platforms accountable for enforcing the age restriction. 

"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese declared, reflecting a sentiment shared by many parents, grandparents, and caregivers concerned about children’s online safety.

The legislation, set to be introduced in Parliament during the final two weeks of this year’s session starting November 18, would take effect one year after it passes, allowing platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook time to comply.

Strict measures for platforms, not parents

Under the proposed law, social media companies will face penalties if they allow children under 16 to access their platforms, but there will be no consequences for the children or their parents. Prime Minister Albanese emphasised that the responsibility for enforcement lies with the platforms, not with families.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland added that the one-year lead-in period aims to make implementation smooth and practical. “Enhanced penalties” will back the legislation to ensure compliance across all platforms operating in Australia.

Tech industry voices mixed reactions

Not all stakeholders are fully on board. Antigone Davis, Meta’s head of safety, expressed a willingness to cooperate but urged for a deeper discussion on practical safeguards.

"What’s missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections," she said, cautioning against a superficial approach that doesn’t effectively protect teens and parents.

The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), a digital industry advocacy organisation in Australia, also voiced concerns, describing the age limit as a “20th Century response to 21st Century challenges.”

DIGI managing director Sunita Bose called for a balanced approach, advocating for age-appropriate online spaces and digital literacy education rather than outright bans.

Concerns from health experts and child advocates

Mental health and child welfare experts have raised questions about the potential drawbacks of the age limit. More than 140 Australian and international scholars in fields related to technology and child welfare recently signed an open letter opposing the age limit, calling it "too blunt an instrument" for effectively addressing risks.

Jackie Hallan, a director at ReachOut, a youth mental health service, expressed concerns about the possible unintended consequences.

“Young people are likely to circumvent a ban, which could drive their behavior underground, making them less likely to seek support if something goes wrong,” Hallan noted.

Currently, 73 percent of young Australians using ReachOut access mental health support through social media.

Child psychologist Philip Tam suggested that an age minimum of 12 or 13 might be more enforceable, while Australian National University lawyer Associate Prof. Faith Gordon voiced concerns about potential strains within families if younger children were cut off from social media.

While the new age limit is intended to be comprehensive, exceptions will be allowed in certain cases, such as for children who need access to online educational resources. However, parental consent alone will not permit children under 16 to access social media.

To aid in enforcement, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has been conducting trials with age-restriction technology. Results from these trials will guide platforms on "reasonable steps" to take in restricting access, and the Commissioner will oversee compliance with the law.