Australia’s ban on social media for people under 16 officially took effect on the 10th, with 10 major social media platforms now required to prevent users in this age group from having accounts on their platforms.
This is the world’s first legislative move to implement such a minimum age restriction on social media.
On the 9th, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in a video address to students that, as of the 10th, children under 16 will no longer be allowed to have social media accounts.
He noted that students are well aware of what it is like to grow up amid algorithms, endless information streams, and the pressures that come with them, which is why the government has taken this action.
Albanese encouraged students to make good use of the upcoming holidays rather than spending all their time scrolling on their phones.
He said: “Start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for a while. Most importantly, spend some quality face-to-face time with your friends and family.”
The Australian Federal Parliament passed the “Online Safety (Minimum Age for Social Media) Amendment 2024” in November last year, requiring designated social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent people under 16 from having accounts on their platforms. Non-compliant companies will face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (about MYR 135 million), but underage users and their guardians will not face penalties.
Since the amendment was passed, the Australian government has been dynamically updating the list of platforms required to enforce the ban according to specific circumstances. As of the 10th, the list includes Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, Twitch, Reddit, and Australian local streaming platform Kick.
A poll released by Australian data and consulting services company Pureprofile at the beginning of this month shows overall support for the ban is high among Australians, at 73%. However, only 26% believe it will be effective, and 68% think teenagers will find ways to bypass the ban.
Research by Australia’s government electronic safety agency found that 96% of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media, 70% of whom have been exposed to harmful content. The government emphasized that introducing a minimum age limit can help reduce the negative impact of social media.