Australia Set to Enforce Social Media Age Limit; PM Albanese Recommends 16 as Minimum Age

Canberra: Australia is set to introduce federal legislation this year that will enforce a minimum age limit for children using social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday. The proposed law aims to reduce kids’ screen time and encourage outdoor activities.

The age limit for accessing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is expected to be set between 14 and 16 years, though Albanese expressed his preference for a minimum age of 16. “I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, swimming pools and tennis courts,” Albanese told ABC, citing concerns about the negative impact of social media on mental health.

Age verification trials will take place in the coming months, but experts have raised doubts about the practicality of enforcing such measures. Toby Murray, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, noted that current age verification methods are often unreliable and pose privacy risks.

Peter Dutton, leader of Australia’s conservative opposition, voiced support for the proposed restrictions, emphasising the need to protect children from the dangers of social media.

However, experts have cautioned that age limits may not address the root issue. An expert warned that excluding young people from the digital world could cause harm, while another pointed out that the real problem lies with the unregulated practices of social media platforms, not the children.

Albanese stressed that social media companies must take responsibility for the harmful content circulating on their platforms, declaring, “These companies think they’re above everyone, but we’re determined to ensure they meet their social responsibilities.”

Australia has been a global leader in regulating social media, with its online safety watchdog recently clashing with Elon Musk’s X over harmful content.