Australia move closer to banning under 16s from social media

Australian lawmakers have moved closer to implementing a ban on social media use for children under 16, with the legislation passing the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, November 27. The bill, which is now set to be debated by the Senate, aims to force companies like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from having accounts. Social media firms that fail to comply could face fines up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has strongly supported the ban, painted social media as a dangerous platform that exacerbates peer pressure, anxiety, and online predation. He has called for a shift in focus from screens to physical activities like sports and outdoor play. The ban is touted as one of the strictest of its kind globally, though experts have expressed skepticism about its enforceability, particularly since age restrictions can easily be bypassed.

The legislation currently lacks specific details on enforcement, with regulators expected to finalize these aspects over the next 12 months. Some social media companies, including WhatsApp and YouTube, are expected to apply for exemptions, while LinkedIn has argued that its platform is unappealing to those under 16.

Critics, including social media expert Susan Grantham, have criticized the law as a “knee-jerk reaction,” warning that it could isolate young people who depend on online communities. Others suggest that more comprehensive digital literacy education, like Finland’s approach, might be a more effective long-term solution.

The move has drawn international attention, with other countries, including Spain and the United States, considering similar measures, though none have yet been implemented. China has already imposed strict restrictions on minors’ access to social media, limiting their use of platforms like Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, to just 40 minutes per day.