Australian PM Albanese vows to prohibit social media use for kids between 14 and 16 to tackle mental health crisis
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a plan on Tuesday to prohibit children from using social media. The new policy aims to address concerns about the negative impact of social media on young people.
In a statement, Albanese announced that the government will introduce legislation in 2024 to establish a minimum age for accessing social media and other digital platforms. “We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed his preference to set the minimum age at 16, although he noted that the legislation would be developed in consultation with states and territories.
A recent poll by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation revealed that 61 percent of Australians support restricting social media access to individuals younger than 17.
In addition to the federal initiative, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has commissioned former federal judge Robert French to explore legal options for banning children under 14 from social media. Albanese confirmed that the federal government will review French’s findings as part of the legislative process.
The proposed measures mark a significant shift in Australia’s approach to managing children’s digital activities, reflecting growing concerns about the effects of social media on youth development and mental health.
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