2 weeks Ago By Michelle Griffin
Children under the age of 16 will be blocked from signing up to social media under sweeping new laws Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to introduce, arguing that access to these apps has harmed children’s mental health. Albanese said at a press conference that the government expects social media companies to “demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access” but children and their parents will not be penalised if they flout the ban. The onus will be on social media companies to police the age of users.
The proposal will be taken to a virtual meeting of national cabinet on Friday before the legislation is introduced, with the ban to come into force 12 months after the law is passed. “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” the prime minister said. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles.
They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online, and I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back. “I want parents to be able to say: ‘Sorry, mate, it’s against the law’.” Loading Communications Minister Michelle Rowland flagged increased penalties for social companies that did not cooperate with the new ban, saying the eSafety Commissioner will have responsibility for enforcement.
The federal move follows a call from Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman earlier this year to block children under 16. The national plan comes after the South Australian government commissioned former High Court chief justice Robert French to review the issue . The review cited medical experts who warned of problems with bullying, sexting, aggression, sexualisation and other challenges for young people on the major social media platforms.
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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Social media Anthony Albanese Michelle Rowland Facebook Twitter TikTok Regulation Michelle Griffin is Federal Bureau Chief Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Politics Loading.
