Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. This move aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being. Once the ban is imposed, teens cannot access platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and more.
Concerns from Parents and Experts:
- Anthony Albanese has cited conversations with numerous parents and guardians who express anxiety over their children’s online safety.
- The government aims to reassure families that it is taking proactive steps to protect children from potential harm associated with social media use.
Mental Health Considerations:
- Research suggests that reducing social media use can improve mental health for children and teens.
- A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted these benefits, reinforcing the need for protective measure
Age Verification Process:
- Social media platforms will be required to implement the age verification process.
- social media companies will be responsible for making sure that children under 16 cannot use their services.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Companies that fail to enforce the age restrictions could face significant fines.
- Notably, there will be no penalties for children or their parents if they violate the ban.
France and the U.S. Tackle Social Media Use Among Children
- France recently proposed a law banning social media access for children under 15, but with an exception allowing parental consent as a way to bypass this restriction. This proposal aims to address concerns about the impact of social media on young users’ well-being.
- In contrast, the United States has, for decades, enforced a law under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), requiring technology companies to obtain parental consent to collect or use data from children under 13. To comply with COPPA, most social media platforms restrict users under 13 from creating accounts, thereby limiting younger children’s access to these services.
