Australia’s government has announced plans to introduce “world-leading” legislation that will prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these proposed laws, which will be presented in parliament next week, aim to address the “harm” that social media poses to Australian youth.
“This initiative is for the mums and dads… They, like me, are deeply concerned about the safety of our children online. I want Australian families to feel assured that the government is here to support you,” Albanese emphasized.
While many specifics of the legislation remain to be discussed, the government clarified that the ban would not affect young individuals who are already using social media. The move reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children from potential dangers online, as concerns about mental health and safety continue to rise in the digital age. The legislation is expected to spark significant debate as it seeks to balance online freedom with the necessity of safeguarding minors in an increasingly connected world.
