What is the Expected Age Limit for Social Media in Australia?
What is the Expected Age Limit for Social Media in Australia?
In September 2024, the Australian government announced its plans to implement an age limit across all social media platforms.
As a result, children under a specific age will be prohibited from accessing various accounts, such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.
The news was welcomed by many parents but resulted in backlash from digital rights advocates. They believe the law will drive young people to unregulated platforms, causing indirect harm to children across the country.
So, what is the expected age limit for social media in Australia? Read on for the latest details.
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What is the Expected Social Media Age Limit?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government will soon embark on an age verification trial for the proposed changes to social media.
Soon after, it will introduce age minimum laws for all social media by the end of 2024 and estimates the minimum age will be from 14 to 16 years old. However, the government has yet to officially announce the age limit.
Why is Australia Introducing a Social Media Age Limit?
The Australian government likely considered many factors before introducing a social media age limit for children.
For instance, it is widely believed social media can increase the likelihood of body image issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or sleeping difficulties.
Also, children are more vulnerable to cyberbullying and online predators, which could pose a risk to their health, safety, and wellbeing.
What’s more, the Australian government is eager for children across the nation to step away from their devices and spend more time outdoors.
During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp, Prime Minister Albanese said, “I want to see kids off their devices and into the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts. We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm.”
Why Are Digital Advocates Against a Social Media Age Limit?
The benefits of a social media ban for children may appear obvious, as it may prevent children from experiencing cyberbullying, confidence issues, or adopting unhealthy behaviors.
However, many digital advocates believe an age limit could have a negative impact on minors, as it might increase the likelihood of them using unregulated platforms.
Daniel Angus, the director of the Queensland University of Technology Digital Media Research Centre, recently criticized the ban, stating it “threatens to create serious harm by excluding young people from meaningful, healthy participation in the digital world, potentially driving them to lower quality online spaces.”
The eSafety Commissioner, the country’s internet regulator, has warned against a social media age limit, too.
It wrote the following warning in the June submission, “restriction-based approaches may limit young people’s access to critical support” and encourage them to turn to “less regulated, non-mainstream services.”
What Do the Social Media Platforms Think About Australia’s Age Limit?
According to the ACMA, nearly two-thirds of young people in Australia use an average of five or more social media platforms or apps daily, such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, Reddit, and WhatsApp.
Unsurprisingly, Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, was quick to comment on the upcoming age limit.
It stated its goal is to empower its young users on the platform and provide parents with the tools they need to support their child(ren) “instead of just cutting off access.”
What’s more, Meta has a self-imposed age limit of 13 to prevent young children from accessing the platform and its content.