Social media bans loom
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The Federal and SA Governments are moving to keep kids off social media.
The Albanese Government says it will introduce legislation by the end of 2024 to set a minimum age for social media access, aiming to protect Australian children from online harms.
The bill follows consultations with States and Territories, and will build on a $6.5 million trial testing age verification technologies to ensure effective implementation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says social media creates “social harm”, impacting children's relationships and experiences.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland highlighted the addictive nature of social media, particularly for children, saying; “Parents want real solutions”.
She stressed that tech platforms have a responsibility to ensure user safety and noted the government's continued engagement with experts and families through the age verification trial.
The minimum age for kids to use social media under the federal bill is yet to be determined, but the government is reportedly consulting on an age limit between 14 and 16.
This federal initiative coincides with South Australia's push for a minimum age law, based on the French Review, led by former Chief Justice Robert French.
The review, commissioned by Premier Peter Malinauskas, recommended banning social media for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for those aged 14 and 15.
It proposed a legal framework where platforms must prevent underage access, with penalties for non-compliance.
Malinauskas supports a national approach, but acknowledges that states could act independently.
The French Review highlighted risks, including exposure to predators and inappropriate content, with one-third of girls and one-quarter of boys having been contacted by strangers online.
While it noted social media’s benefits, such as support for marginalised groups, it stressed the need for regulation.
Enforcement challenges remain, with tech companies like Meta and YouTube questioning the feasibility of age assurance technologies. Meta raised concerns about users lying about their age, while Snapchat suggested age verification at the app store level.
The South Australian proposal includes penalties for platforms that fail to comply, overseen by a regulator.
Families would also have the right to sue if a breach leads to harm.