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Australia is set to become one of the first nations to impose age limits on social media use. The Current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced there were plans to introduce legislation in 2024, highlighting worries over the mental and physical well-being of young Australians.
This proposed age restriction is likely to fall between 14 and 16 years old. It aims to curb what Albanese calls "social harm" which is a result of excessive online engagement. "I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts," Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
This initiative comes against the backdrop of a parliamentary inquiry into social media's societal impact. The hearings have featured emotional testimonies about the adverse effects on teenage mental health, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Australia's online presence is significant, with 80% of its 26 million population active on social media platforms. A 2023 University of Sydney study revealed that 75% of Australians aged 12 to 17 use YouTube or Instagram regularly, highlighting the pervasiveness of social media among youth.
However, the proposed legislation has sparked debate. Digital rights advocates warn of potential unintended consequences. Daniel Angus, director of the Queensland University of Technology Digital Media Research Centre, cautioned that the move "threatens to create serious harm by excluding young people from meaningful, healthy participation in the digital world."
Even Australia's eSafety Commissioner expressed reservations in a June submission, suggesting that "restriction-based approaches may limit young people's access to critical support" and potentially drive them to "less regulated non-mainstream services."
Tech giants have also weighed in. Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, emphasized its desire to "empower young people to benefit from its platforms" while providing parents with supportive tools, rather than simply restricting access.
DIGI, an industry body representing social media platforms, has urged the government to consider expert opinions, including those from mental health professionals and marginalized groups, in a bid to avoid pushing young users inadvertently into unsafe online spaces.This legislative push places Australia at the forefront of a global conversation about youth online safety and digital rights.
