Amid the widespread use of social media platforms across all age groups, the Australian federal government has announced that it is planning to ban social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and more, for children who are under 16 in order to protect them from online harm. Here’s more about the ban, such as when it will start and which social media platforms will be affected.
Social media ban for those under 16 in Australia
- As per a report by ABC News, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed this week that the minimum age for social media use in Australia will be set at 16.
- This follows an announcement in September about plans to introduce legislation for a minimum age, although the specific age had not been revealed then.
- The social media ban also applies to children under 16 who already have an account, even with parental consent.
- However, the government has clarified that no penalties will be imposed on individuals who do not comply with the new rules.
Which social media platforms will be affected?
So far, it is known that social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube Kids, among others, won’t be available to those who are under 16. More social media platforms might be included soon.
Additionally, the report mentions that the Opposition is urging the government to give clear guarantees that social media platforms won’t find ways to bypass the upcoming ban.
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When will the expected ban begin?
According to the report, the social media ban for those under the age of 16 will not take effect for at least a year. It notes that the bill must pass through the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the earliest possible passage being later this month. Once approved, the social media platforms will have 12 months to comply with the law. Therefore, in practice, the ban will mainly affect users who are currently under 15 years old.
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