HomeCyber Security NewsAustralia Proposes Minimum Age of 16 for Social Media to Protect Youth

Australia Proposes Minimum Age of 16 for Social Media to Protect Youth

Supporting Parents and Safeguarding Childhood

Australia’s government is introducing a Bill to set the minimum age for social media use at 16, aimed at protecting young Australians from the harmful impacts of online platforms. This initiative reflects a commitment to supporting parents and ensuring children can enjoy a healthy, active childhood.

Social media’s negative effects, including bullying, anxiety, peer pressure, and exposure to scammers and predators, disproportionately affect young people. The legislation emphasizes that children should focus on real-life experiences—playing sports, participating in arts, and building resilience through face-to-face interactions—rather than measuring themselves against unrealistic online standards.

The proposed law shifts responsibility onto social media companies, requiring them to take greater accountability for user safety. The penalties target platforms that fail to prevent systemic breaches, prioritizing the well-being of young users over corporate interests.

Advocates of the Bill include grieving parents who have lost children to the darker aspects of online interaction, urging action to prevent further tragedies. By leading the way with this legislation, Australia aims to provide children with a safe environment to grow, free from the pressures of premature exposure to social media.

pm.gov

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