Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media usage for individuals younger than 16, with the intention of improving online safety and safeguarding youth from detrimental digital interactions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that the regulation, part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, is set to be implemented on 10 December 2025. This legislation forms a component of the government’s larger plan to diminish online hazards for young individuals.
The government detailed that this law aims to protect minors from various online dangers, including cyberbullying, exposure to unsuitable or damaging material, and addiction due to social media algorithms.Experts have consistently cautioned that extended engagement with social media can adversely impact mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and hinder overall growth in young teenagers.
According to the new law, it will be prohibited for anyone under the age of 16 to establish or manage accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (previously Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and Kick.
Firms that do not implement these age limits may incur fines under Australian legislation.Government Highlights Safety and Support for ParentsIn a post on X on Monday, Albanese emphasized that the ban is focused on prioritizing children’s welfare rather than restricting freedom.“This is about allowing children to enjoy their childhood,” he remarked, noting that the law will enable parents to engage in informed dialogues with their kids about online safety.He also mentioned in a press statement, “We’re prohibiting social media for those under 16 to ensure their safety on the internet. It’s aimed at safeguarding their mental health and equipping parents with the resources to assist them in the digital landscape.”Analysts anticipate that this legislation could create a global benchmark, as nations worldwide seek methods to address the rising apprehension regarding children’s engagement with social media.