Children under the age of 16 will be blocked from signing up to social media under sweeping new laws Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to introduce, arguing that access to these apps has harmed children’s mental health.
Albanese said at a press conference that the government expects social media companies to “demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access” but children and their parents will not be penalised if they flout the ban.
The onus will be on social media companies to police the age of users.
The proposal will be taken to a virtual meeting of national cabinet on Friday before the legislation is introduced, with the ban to come into force 12 months after the law is introduced.
“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” the prime minister said. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online, and I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back.
