Australia social media ban sparks global debate

There have been mixed reactions to Australia’s looming social media ban of children under-16.

According to the new law, which will come into effect in a year, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and X will now have to prevent minors from logging in to the apps or face fines of up to R582 million.

Australia’s government says the Social Media Minimum Age Bill will assist in keeping children safe from things on the platforms that could impact their mental health.

However, the legislation still has to be fine-tuned, as it offers no details as to how the rules will be enforced.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, says this is a step in the right direction.

 

Albanese, earlier this month, said there are huge risks to physical and mental health of children from excessive social media use, specifically focusing on the risks to girls from harmful depictions of body image, and misogynist content aimed at boys.

I’ve got a message for mums and dads: we are on your side. We’ve got your back. pic.twitter.com/ezTkWAEH9x

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 25, 2024

Some Members of Parliament are, however, against the move.

Senator Matt Canavan believes the government is denying young Australians a voice.

I wrote this before the social media ban passed the Senate last night.

The attempt to ban kids from social media will be ineffective but worse it may undermine proper efforts to reign in the harms of social media.

This rushed, blunt, blanket ban is like urinating on a bushfire… pic.twitter.com/MlzS4EjDks

— Senator Matt Canavan (@mattjcan) November 28, 2024

Australia has joined countries such as France and some US states, who have also passed laws to restrict social media access for minors without a parent’s permission. It remains to be seen if other countries will also follow suit.

Social media platform, TikTok, reportedly believes the ban could push young people to darker corners of the internet, while Google, Snap, Meta have criticised the lack of clarity in the social media bill.

Social media users around the world have also been weighing in on the issue and their views are a mixed bag.

Firstly, no under 16 is going to be stopped from using social media if that is what they want to do. Secondly, the insidious nature of the ban, requiring adults to get involved with digital ID, is the beginning of the end of any kind of privacy or freedom in Australia.

— Yaki Dada (@YakiDada) November 29, 2024

There is something wrong with these British parliaments.
UK passes bill for assisted suicide

Australia passed law to stop teens from social media

Ala pic.twitter.com/jv0AEvp48h

— infopap (@infopap) November 29, 2024

yes, I am serious.. Australia takes protecting our young children very seriously..

and this new law makes it illegal for young children under the age of 16 to have access to social media of any form, to protect them from the many harms of digital & social platforms..

— Dez Blanchfield (@dez_blanchfield) November 29, 2024

Protecting kids from the mental health harms of social media is a win for families and society. Australia’s bold move to ban social platforms for under-16s prioritizes safety over profit. It’s time we rethink how we let tech shape childhood. #DigitalWellness #SocialMediaReform… https://t.co/4JZvyl2mzC

— Dr. Dan (@AnxWhisperer) November 29, 2024

Watching Australia and the UK arrest people over social media posts, and then somehow still imagining that this law is going to protect kids, is pretty naive.

It’s going to be a way to track adults and arrest people for saying things the government doesn’t like. And kids who… https://t.co/Y9xjCcyIJH

— Sean W. Malone | That’s just, like, your opinion. (@CitizenAmedia) November 29, 2024

The Australia law enforcement to ban social media used by children under 16 yrs old will limit children creative ideas & competitive skills technology, the law might not effectively apply. https://t.co/i4PxsNmLEC

— zxwqtysv (@zxwqtysv1) November 29, 2024

Imagine the damage Australia is going to do to under 16s from being banned from social media

— Okokok (@Okokok251425366) November 29, 2024

There are generations of kids who grew up without social media and turned out perfectly fine, W move by Australia.

— Surya Varman (@SuryaVa69175920) November 29, 2024