Australia proposes bill to ban teens below 16 from using social media

Governments around the globe are pulling strings on social media platforms over their effects on the mental health of teenagers. What’s happening recently with TikTok is the perfect example to sum up the ongoing situation. That said, it’s not alone. Other giants including Meta have been treated similarly. Now, Australia is doing something big in this regard. Today, Australia’s majority party introduced a bill in parliament that would ban teenagers under 16 from using social media.

Australia’s Labor Party proposes a bill to ban teenagers below 16 years from using social media

The proposed bill would directly impact top social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. From the looks of it, Australia wants to hold the platforms accountable instead of parents and children. It’s worth noting that repeated violations of the proposed law would attract a hefty fine of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32.2 million).

The Labor Party’s bill also requires platforms to destroy the collected data of underage users. There are a few exemptions, though. Teenagers below 16 will have access to social media apps promoting online gaming, messaging, health, and education-related services. This includes the young mental health support app HeadSpace, Google’s YouTube, and Google Classroom.

Reuters reports that Australia also plans to trial a different age verification system. The new system may require users to provide biometrics or government identifications to prove they meet the set social media age cut-off. The news agency further notes that this law is “some of toughest controls imposed by any country to date.”

There are no exemptions in regard to parental consent

It’s worth noting that the proposed bill would have no exemption for parental consent or pre-existing accounts. In a statement, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said, “This is a landmark reform. We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”

Speaking in parliament, Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland said, “For too many young Australians, social media can be harmful. Almost two-thirds of 14 to 17-year-old Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm.” He further added, “Social media has a social responsibility, that’s why we are making big changes to hold platforms to account for user safety.”

Worth noting that the opposition Liberal Party supports the new bill, while the Green Party has criticized it and seeks more details about it. Several countries around the globe are already working towards curbing excessive use of social media by children. However, Australia’s law now stands as one of the most stringent.