Australia to test social media access age restrictions: Albanese

Australia is to trial age verification for social media for children aged 14-16 years. Image: Freepix/stock

AUSTRALIA is to trial age restrictions for social media later this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says.

And the federal government will introduce draft legislation in co-ordination with state and territory governments through national cabinet.

It will draw upon recent work by former High Court Chief Justice Robert French, the PM says..

An age verification trial is expected to take place later this year, Mr Albanese told ABC TV, and it will likely target children aged 14-16 years old.

For story: Albanese Government set to introduce minimum age for social media access

“We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences,” Mr Albanese says.

“Australian young people deserve better. I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids.

“The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount,” Mr Albanese says.

“We’re supporting parents and keeping kids safe by taking this action because enough is enough.”

Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland agrees with the decision on a personal level.

“As a mother of young daughters, and Minister for Communications, I fully understand concerns around harmful online environments and addictive social media behaviour of children,” she says.

“Parents want real solutions. We are taking decisive action to identify and implement these very solutions to help ensure young people can use the internet in a safe and positive way that supports their learning and their lives.

“We are also holding big tech to account because platforms and online services have a key responsibility for the safety of their users,” Ms Rowland says.

STATE SUPPORT

The Victorian Government says it will work with South Australia and the Commonwealth to introduce the age limits.

Premier Jacinta Allan made the announcement during a visit with Education Minister Ben Carroll and Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn during a visit to South Melbourne Primary School.

MP for Albert Park Nina Taylor says she hears the same concern expressed by parents in her community. “We’re worried about our kids on socials, she says.

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas released a report by former High Court Chief Justice Robert French AC outlining a legislation model to ban children under the age of 14 from accessing social media.

The 276-page report includes a proposed bill which sets out the legal framework to ban social media for children under 14 and require social media companies to establish parental consent before allowing children aged 14 and 15 to use their platforms.

A statement from the SA Government says the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024 imposes a positive obligation and duty on social media platforms to prevent access to their services by an individual child within the restricted age ranges.

Compliance would be overseen by a regulator with penalties including sanctions such as substantial financial penalties and prosecution in the Supreme Court.

The families of children harmed due to access to social media would be able to sue for damages.