Australia plans to introduce a minimum age requirement for social media use, aiming to address mental and physical health concerns among children. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the government will trial age verification measures before implementing the new laws, likely setting the minimum age between 14 and 16.
Albanese emphasized the goal of encouraging outdoor activities and real-life interactions for children, citing social media’s potential for harm. The proposed law would position Australia among the first to enforce such restrictions, a move not yet widely adopted globally due to concerns about limiting minors’ online rights.
Digital rights advocates argue that the measure might drive young users to less regulated, potentially dangerous online spaces. The eSafety Commissioner and other experts have expressed concerns that restricting access could push youth to seek unregulated platforms, impacting their safety and access to support.
Social media giants like Meta, which already has a self-imposed age limit of 13, advocate for better tools to support young users rather than outright bans. Australia’s internet regulator plans to continue collaborating with stakeholders to refine strategies addressing online harms.
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