Australia is considering setting a minimum age for children to access social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, a move aimed at reducing online risks and safeguarding young users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government’s plan on Monday, stating that the initiative is designed to support parents and protect children from the dangers of the internet.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Albanese said, “It’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.” He further elaborated on Tuesday, during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, that the government is contemplating setting the minimum age for social media use at 16, though there is also consideration of lowering the limit to 14. Legislation is expected to be introduced later this year, alongside a trial of age-verification technology to enforce the new rules.
If passed, Australia would become one of the few countries to impose such a restriction. Earlier this year, Florida implemented a similar law, barring children under 14 from social media platforms. Currently, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, many underage children bypass this by falsifying their birth date.
Broad Political Support, but Some Concerns
The proposal has garnered broad political support, with the main opposition party earlier this year advocating for a social media age limit of 16. However, some experts warn that this restriction could have unintended consequences. Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology, cautioned that banning platforms like TikTok and Meta-owned Instagram could push children to less regulated and potentially more dangerous platforms.
Toby Murray, an associate professor of computing and information systems at the University of Melbourne, expressed concerns about marginalized teens who use social media to find communities of like-minded peers. “Depriving them of that outlet could risk isolating young users who rely on social media to connect with others like them,” he said.
The Case for Childhood Offline
Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Albanese stressed the importance of reducing children’s screen time and encouraging physical activities. “I want kids to have a childhood. I want them off their devices and onto the footy field and netball courts,” Albanese said in a video message, referring to popular sports in Australia.
While tech companies like Meta declined to comment, the proposed legislation aligns with Australia’s history of regulating the digital space. In 2021, Australia enforced groundbreaking rules requiring internet companies, including Google and Facebook, to pay licensing fees to news publishers.
As the government moves forward with the proposal, the debate over balancing online safety with the social needs of young people continues to unfold. If implemented, Australia’s legislation could set a global precedent for how governments regulate children’s use of social media.
