The Australian government is set to introduce a groundbreaking law that will ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. This world-first move aims to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young Australians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday that the legislation will be presented to parliament in November, following unanimous support from all state and territory leaders. While Tasmania initially proposed a minimum age of 14, a nationwide 16-year-old age limit was agreed upon to ensure consistency.
Social media companies will be held responsible for enforcing the age restrictions, with the eSafety commissioner overseeing compliance. The government will also provide support to parents and teachers to help them navigate the challenges of the digital age.
The new regulations are expected to come into effect 12 months after parliamentary approval to allow for adequate implementation and industry preparation. This significant step demonstrates Australia’s commitment to protecting its young people from the potential harms of social media.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
