Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed legislation to ban social media use for children under a certain age, citing concerns about its negative impact on mental health. The government is considering implementing age verification technology to enforce the ban.
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| The debate over social media access for minors continues as Australia considers a ban on social media for children under a certain age. The government is citing concerns about mental health and plans to implement age verification technology to enforce the restriction. Symbolic image |
Canberra, Australia – September 11, 2024:
In a move aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of social media, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce legislation that would restrict access to social media platforms for minors.
The proposed ban, while specific age limits have yet to be determined, is expected to apply to children under the age of 14-16. Albanese emphasized the need for such a measure, citing the growing body of evidence suggesting the negative impact of social media on young people's mental health.
In response to the Prime Minister's proposal, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, noted that its platforms already have a minimum age requirement of 13. The company expressed a preference for empowering young users with parental controls and monitoring rather than outright bans.
Australia's initiative mirrors similar efforts in the United States and other countries. US Senator Josh Hawley introduced legislation last year to prohibit teenagers under 16 from using social media, and the state of Utah implemented laws requiring parental consent and identification for access.
The growing concern over the effects of social media on young people's mental health has prompted calls for stricter regulations. A letter signed by 42 US attorneys general supported the Surgeon General's proposal to require social media websites to post health warnings.
While the Australian government's proposal is still in its early stages, it highlights the increasing global recognition of the need to protect children from the potential risks associated with social media. The debate over how best to achieve this balance between protecting minors and allowing access to technology will likely continue for some time.