Australia is moving to implement one of the world’s first minimum age limits for social media use, citing increasing concerns about the impact on children’s mental and physical health.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the initiative, part of a broader effort to mitigate social media’s harmful effects on society.
“I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, the swimming pools, and the tennis courts,” Albanese said during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “We need to ensure they have real experiences with real people, as social media is contributing to social harm.”
The move follows a parliamentary inquiry that heard emotional testimonies about the detrimental mental health effects of social media on teenagers. Although the exact age limit has not been confirmed, Albanese suggested it would likely range between 14 and 16.
The government plans to launch an age verification trial before officially rolling out the legislation later this year. However, digital rights groups have raised concerns that the restrictions may push young users to hide their online activities, potentially leading to more dangerous behavior. Critics also argue that enforcing the age limit could prove challenging.
Despite these hurdles, the Australian government is committed to moving forward, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from the adverse effects of excessive social media use.
