Australia to ban all social media for under-16s

The Australian government has announced what it described as world-leading legislation that would institute a minimum age for children using social media. Australian youths will have to be aged 16 or older to use online social networks, with the nation’s government planning to hold platforms responsible and accountable to ensure compliance.

“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said. The legislation will be introduced in the nation’s parliament during its final two weeks in session this year, with the parliamentary sitting fortnight beginning on November 18.

Mr Albanese told reporters that the age limit would take effect 12 months after the law was passed. Platforms including X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook would need to use that year to work out how to exclude Australian children younger than 16.

“I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online,” Mr Albanese said. Social media platforms would be penalised for breaching the age limit, but underage children and their parents would not.

“The onus will be