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Australia Moves to Ban Minors from Social Media Amid Health Concerns

Tuesday 10 September 2024 - 08:00

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Australia is poised to implement a ban on minors accessing social media platforms, driven by rising concerns over the negative impact of these platforms on the physical and mental health of young people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this initiative, stating that the government will launch an age verification pilot program in the coming months, paving the way for legislation that could restrict access for children aged 14 to 16.

In a recent interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Albanese expressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “Parents are extremely concerned about their children’s engagement with social media and feel as though they are navigating without guidance. I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools.” He emphasized that the government’s action is a necessary step, declaring, “Enough is enough.”

The proposed ban aligns with similar measures taken by other countries, including China, France, and several U.S. states, which have enacted laws to limit social media usage among minors due to concerns about cyberbullying and the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards.

However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some quarters. Daniel Angus, a digital expert at Queensland University of Technology, described the proposed ban as "reckless" and a "misguided distraction." In a LinkedIn post, he argued that such a prohibition could hinder young people's meaningful participation in the digital world, ultimately driving them to lower-quality online spaces. He warned that this approach allows major social media platforms to evade accountability for improving content quality, as it merely erects barriers rather than enhancing the user experience.

As Australia prepares to navigate the complexities of this proposed legislation, the debate continues over the balance between protecting children and preserving their rights to digital expression. The government's commitment to addressing these pressing issues reflects a growing recognition of the challenges posed by social media in the lives of young Australians.