Australia has taken a bold step in protecting its youth from the perceived harms of social media by passing the world’s strictest laws aimed at restricting social media access for children under the age of 16. The Australian Senate approved the legislation late last week, a move that has sparked both support and criticism. If the law comes into effect, it will be a game-changer in the global debate over children’s safety online.
The legislation, which will not take effect for at least 12 months, prohibits children under 16 from using social media platforms, with tech companies facing heavy fines up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million) if they fail to comply. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who championed the bill, stated that the measure is essential for safeguarding young Australians from the “harms” that come with social media use, such as cyberbullying, mental health issues, and exposure to inappropriate content. Albanese emphasized that the goal is to give children “a childhood” free from the pressures and dangers of online platforms, a sentiment echoed by many parent groups.
This legislation goes further than any other global attempt to regulate social media for children. Unlike previous attempts, such as France’s 2023 law banning social media use for children under 15 without parental consent, Australia’s law sets a high bar by making no exceptions for existing users or parental consent. It also prohibits the use of social media for any child under 16, irrespective of whether they have an account or not.
Having passed the Senate with overwhelming support 34 votes in favor and 19 against the bill is now set to return to the House of Representatives, where the ruling government holds a majority. Once it passes through this chamber, it will become law, albeit with some changes yet to be made.
Critics of the bill have raised several concerns. Foremost among them is the vague and unclear definition of which platforms will fall under the ban. The bill does not specify the exact platforms to be restricted, leaving that decision to the communications minister in consultation with the eSafety Commissioner. This uncertainty has led to confusion, particularly from major tech companies like Google, Meta, TikTok, and Snap, who argue that the legislation is overly broad and lacks the necessary detail to be effective.
Another major issue is how the law will be enforced. The Australian government has suggested that age-verification technology will be implemented to restrict access, though critics are skeptical about its reliability. Some warn that technologies such as biometrics or identity verification could lead to privacy breaches, while others point out that tech-savvy children could easily bypass these restrictions using VPNs, as evidenced by similar attempts in France and Utah, USA.
Moreover, experts argue that the bill may have unintended consequences, such as pushing children toward less regulated corners of the internet, where they may be exposed to even greater risks. While many parents support the move, believing it will shield their children from the dangers of social media, others argue that the ban is too blunt an instrument for addressing a complex issue. Youth advocates have voiced concerns that the government has failed to adequately involve young people in the discussion about social media safety and its impact on their lives.
While the debate continues, the Australian government remains resolute, with Prime Minister Albanese defending the legislation as a necessary step to protect children. He has acknowledged the challenges in enforcement but insists that the law is a crucial part of the country’s responsibility to safeguard young people.
As Australia moves forward with this groundbreaking policy, the rest of the world is closely watching. Norway has already expressed intentions to follow suit, and the UK has indicated that it may consider similar measures in the future. However, as the global conversation on social media regulation intensifies, questions about privacy, enforcement, and the broader implications for freedom of expression and access to information remain unresolved.
In the coming months, as the law undergoes amendments and further scrutiny, the impact of this bold experiment will likely reverberate worldwide, reshaping how countries approach the complex issue of protecting children in the digital age.
