The Australian government has pledged to introduce what it described as “world-leading” legislation to ban children under the age of 16 from social media.
Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, confirmed the age limit at a press conference on Thursday.
Albanese said the legislation will be introduced in the country’s parliament during its final two weeks in session this year, beginning on November 18.
The prime minister lamented that social media “was doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it”.
He said the ban would take effect 12 months after the law passes.
Albanese said there would be no penalties for users, and that it would be up to Australia’s online regulator to enforce the laws.
The prime minister added that there will be no exemptions for children who have parental consent, or who already have accounts.
“Today, the minister and I have an important announcement. And this one is for the mums and dads. Social media is doing harm to our kids and I am calling time on it,” he said.
“I have spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They 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. I want the parents to be able to say ‘sorry it is against the law for me to get you to do this’.
“… The government’s proposed age is 16. And that decision was made in cabinet on Monday. And that proposal will go to the national cabinet that I am conveying.
“The onus will be on parents and young people. There will be no penalty for users. A safety commissioner will provide oversight function and enforcement. The legislation will come into force 12 months after passage. There will also be a review.”
Michelle Rowland, the communications minister, said platforms impacted would include Meta Platforms’ Instagram and Facebook, as well as ByteDance’s TikTok and Elon Musk’s X.
“Alphabet’s YouTube would likely also fall within the scope of the legislation,” she added.
Earlier proposals to introduce a social media age limit have enjoyed broad bipartisan support in Australia.
