Australia said on Tuesday it planned to introduce legislation this year to ban children from using social media platforms, citing the risks it could pose to physical and mental health.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his centre-left government would begin a trial of age verification in the coming months.
“I want to see kids off their devices and on soccer fields and in swimming pools and on tennis courts. We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm,” Albanese told national broadcaster ABC News.
He did not specify age limits for the ban, but said he was “considering the range between 14 and 16 years old.”
Albanese said she was concerned about the impact of cyberbullying on children’s mental health and the easy exposure to content on social media that could harm them.
The move comes after Australia’s e-safety regulator in July asked internet companies to submit a binding code detailing how they would prevent children from viewing pornography and other inappropriate material, or face an industry code being imposed.
Several countries have tried to restrict minors’ use of social media, but legal challenges and technology, such as virtual private networks that disguise locations, have hampered governments’ efforts.
“This is a global issue that governments around the world are trying to address… we know it’s not simple or easy, otherwise governments would have responded sooner,” Albanese said.
Table of Contents
Australia to Introduce Legislation to Ban Children from Social Media
In a landmark move, Australia has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban children from using social media platforms, citing concerns over the risks it poses to their physical and mental health. The move comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s well-being.
Prime Minister’s Concerns
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the centre-left government will begin a trial of age verification in the coming months. Speaking to national broadcaster ABC News, Albanese expressed his concerns about the harm caused by social media, stating, “I want to see kids off their devices and on soccer fields and in swimming pools and on tennis courts. We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm.” [[1]]
Age Limit Proposals
While Albanese did not specify the exact age limit for the ban, he mentioned that he was considering an age range between 14 and 16 years old. Other reports suggest that the government may implement a minimum age limit as high as 16, as announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday [[2]]. Meanwhile, some sources indicate that children under the age of 14 could be banned from using social media [[3]].
Cyberbullying and Online Safety Concerns
The Prime Minister expressed his concerns about the impact of cyberbullying on children’s mental health and the easy exposure to harmful content on social media. This move comes after Australia’s e-safety regulator asked internet companies in July to provide information on their efforts to protect children from harmful online content.
Legislation Details
The Australian government plans to introduce legislation into parliament by the end of 2024 to block children from social media [[1]]. The proposed legislation aims to address the growing concerns about the effects of social media on children’s physical and mental well-being.
Conclusion
Australia’s decision to ban children from social media is a significant step towards ensuring the online safety and well-being of children. The proposed legislation marks a crucial move towards regulating the online space and protecting children from the potential harms of social media. As the government finalizes the age limit and details of the ban, parents and caregivers will be eager to see the positive impact this move will have on the lives of Australian children.
References:
<a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/pixels/article/2024/09/10/australia-plans-to-implement-age-limit-to-ban-children-from-social-media672544413.html”>[2]
Australia to Introduce Legislation to Ban Children from Social Media
In a landmark move, Australia has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban children from using social media platforms, citing concerns over the risks it poses to their physical and mental health. The move comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s well-being.
Prime Minister’s Concerns
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the centre-left government will begin a trial of age verification in the coming months. Speaking to national broadcaster ABC News, Albanese expressed his concerns about the harm caused by social media, stating, “I want to see kids off their devices and on soccer fields and in swimming pools
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