Australia becomes first country in the world to ban kids under 16 from social media

In a first for the globe, Australia has barred teenagers under the age of 16 from using social media.

According to the Australian Senate’s bill, young children will not be permitted to use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, and X. If the social media companies don’t stop kids under 16 from creating accounts, they might face hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (£25 million).

However, if they were discovered to be disregarding the new regulations, neither parents nor children would be punished. Following today’s passing, the ban is scheduled to take effect within the next 12 months to give social media platforms time to be ready.

The prohibition, according to its detractors, might dissuade people too young to use social media to report harm, drive kids to the dark web, isolate them, and lessen the incentives for platforms to increase online safety. Suicide Prevention Australia’s executive director, Christopher Stone, cautioned that the prohibition might have negative effects since it would prevent young people from accessing some mental health supports.

“By rushing this legislation, the government is running blindfolded into a brick wall,” he continued. It has eschewed the thorough review and engagement required for a decision of this magnitude. Young Australians should not be subjected to rash decisions, but to evidence-based policies.This legislation ignores the benefits of social media in promoting young people’s mental health and feeling of community, even though we recognize the difficulties posed by online platforms. The Bill’s passage was expedited to the point where it was only in the House for a week or less.

None of the 156 bills that are presently before Parliament, including those pertaining to housing and homelessness, casino advertising, healthy kids advertising, and health laws, have been given this level of urgency.

“Why is the government rushing social media regulation against the evidence while postponing gambling reform despite the evidence in favor of it? Suicide risk is influenced by both, and the government may make mistakes in both areas.

“Trust in the parliamentary process is weakened by this hastily passed law. This kind of complex topic calls for serious deliberation and consultation rather than quick fixes. To make sure we get this right for young people and other Australians who use social media, we implore the government to take its time and consult with stakeholders.

“Necessary” is how Senator Maria Kovacic described the law. The main goal of this legislation, she continued, is straightforward: it requires social media businesses to take reasonable measures to detect and ban minors from their sites. These businesses should have been carrying out this obligation long ago, but they have neglected it for far too long in favor of making money.

Online safety advocate Sonya Ryan praised the action after her 15-year-old daughter Carly was killed by a 50-year-old pedophile who posed as a teenager on the internet. She continued: “It’s too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, but let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together.”