Albanese announces plan to ban children from social media
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The news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will impose a minimum age for social media and other websites to protect children from mental and physical harms.
The context: Albanese vowed to introduce legislation before the next election to set a minimum age for social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok and X, as well as pornography sites.
Key details — including the specific minimum age — are yet to be worked out, but Albanese declared “enough is enough”.
The details will be informed by negotiations in national cabinet as well as the federal government’s age assurance trial. The proposal for a minimum age for social media was discussed at national cabinet on Friday with the proposal pushed by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
The tender for the third phase of the federal government's $6.5 million trial went live this week, delivering on a budget commitment to test age assurance technologies that could be effective in preventing access to pornography by children under 18 and age-limit access to social media platforms for teenagers between 13 and 16+ years.
What they said: “We know that technology moves fast. No Government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat — but we have to do all we can," Albanese said.
“Parents are worried sick about this. We know they're working without a map — no generation has faced this challenge before.
“Which is why my message to Australian parents is we’ve got your back. We’re listening and determined to act to get this right.
“Too often, there's nothing social about social media — taking kids away from real friends and real experiences.
“Australian young people deserve better. I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids.
“The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount.
“Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field. So do I.
“We are taking this action because enough is enough.”
Malinauskas said: “This is a problem that demands swift and decisive leadership and I thank the Prime Minister for demonstrating it.
“The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm.
“This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol. When a product or service hurts children, governments must act.
“We will work closely with the Commonwealth to implement this ban, which will be welcomed by parents across the country.
The source: Prime Minister’s Office
