Australia Moves Closer to Banning Under-16s from Social Media

Australia has moved a step closer to implementing one of the world’s toughest social media restrictions, aiming to ban children under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The legislation passed the lower house of parliament on Wednesday and is now headed to the Senate for review.

Under the proposed law, social media companies will be required to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users. Those failing to comply could face steep penalties of up to AU$50 million (US$32.5 million). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a key advocate of the measure, has underscored the need to address growing concerns about social media’s impact on young Australians.

ALSO READ: Australia Plans to Ban Children Under 16 from Social Media

Albanese pointed to rising issues like peer pressure, online scams, and the prevalence of predators as major factors behind the legislation. “We want young Australians to put their phones down, engage in physical activities, and reduce the anxiety linked to constant social media use,” he said, calling for a cultural shift toward healthier habits such as sports and outdoor engagement.

Despite its bold approach, the bill lacks detailed guidelines for enforcement, sparking debates over its implementation. Regulators have indicated that it could take at least a year to finalize enforcement mechanisms before the law takes effect. If approved by the Senate, this policy will place Australia at the forefront of global efforts to regulate social media access for minors.