Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia.
Government Targets Under-16s with New Social Media Legislation
Australia Proposes Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia's government has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban children under 16 from social media, a move intended to address growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and safety. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, unveiling the proposal, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Australian families: “This one is for the mums and dads. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back."
The legislation, which will be tabled in parliament next week, would hold social media platforms responsible for ensuring age restrictions are met. There will be no penalties for underage users, and the eSafety Commissioner will be tasked with enforcing compliance.
While the ban would apply to new users under 16, young people already using social media will not be affected. Additionally, parental consent will not be considered a sufficient exception, reflecting the government’s belief that reliance on parental oversight alone is inadequate.
The legislation is set to take effect 12 months after passing, with plans to review its effectiveness after implementation.
Divided Opinions Among Experts and Advocates
The proposal has sparked widespread debate among child rights advocates, tech experts, and parents. While many agree that social media can have harmful effects on young people’s mental health, some question whether a blanket ban will be effective. Critics, including the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, argue that the approach is "too blunt" and advocate instead for robust safety standards on social media platforms, emphasizing education and safe access rather than restriction.
In an open letter to the government, the Taskforce pointed to UN recommendations that national policies should prioritize equipping children to safely engage with the digital environment rather than outright restriction.
Grassroots supporters, however, see the proposed ban as essential. The 36Months initiative, a campaign with over 125,000 signatures, argues that children lack the developmental readiness to safely navigate social media. The campaign warns that social media is "rewiring young brains within a critical window of psychological development," contributing to a surge in mental health issues among youth.
Challenges and Implementation Questions
This proposed legislation comes as other attempts to restrict social media access for young people, such as those in the European Union, have faced challenges and backlash. Many worry that tech-savvy teens will find ways around age-verification systems, while others raise concerns about how such a ban would impact their social and educational development.
Prime Minister Albanese defended the proposal, asserting that education alone won’t address the risks. “These tech companies are incredibly powerful. These apps have algorithms that drive people towards certain behavior,” he said, stressing the potential harm posed to young, vulnerable users.
The proposal has ignited a national conversation about the role of government, tech companies, and families in managing young people’s digital lives. While the outcome remains uncertain, Australia’s legislation could become a significant precedent in the global debate on youth and social media.
