Australia Plans to Set Minimum Age Limit for Social Media Use

Australia Plans to Set Minimum Age Limit for Social Media Use

The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation setting a minimum age limit for using social media, citing concerns over mental health. The proposed age limit is between 14 and 16, but experts warn of potential unintended consequences.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the government aims to introduce the legislation this year, ahead of the expected May election. Both the government and opposition parties have expressed support for the move, with some states already implementing social media age limits.

Albanese emphasized the need to protect children from the harmful effects of social media, stating, “This is about letting children have a childhood… We want to get young Australians off their devices and onto the footy field or the netball court or the swimming pool or the tennis court and engaging with each other.”

However, experts argue that the issue is complex and that an age limit could prevent struggling younger teens from finding help online or force them to use social media secretly, exacerbating the dangers. Professor Lisa Given of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology noted, “The question is, is this more about politics and headlines versus an actual solution that is going to protect children?”

Australia is not alone in addressing the negative effects of children using social media at a young age. Some US states have passed similar legislation, and the European Union has had age limits in place for nearly a decade. However, enforcing these limits has proven challenging, with children using VPNs and other methods to circumvent restrictions.

While the idea has gained momentum in Australia, some experts caution against rushing into legislation. Daniel Angus, director of Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Center, suggested waiting for the joint inquiry into social media in Australia to reach its conclusions.

Others argue that social media can play a vital role in connecting struggling teens with online support or health information. Given noted, “There are lots of reasons why children need to access information on their own… Particularly kids in regional or remote areas.”

The proposed legislation has sparked debate, with some experts warning of potential unintended consequences and others arguing that it is a necessary step to protect children’s mental health.