Social media ban for children to be introduced this year, but age limit undetermined

(ABC) -- Children aged up to 16 could be banned from social media, as the federal government promises legislation to impose a minimum age to use platforms like Facebook and Instagram by the end of this year.
But the cut-off age won’t be revealed until the government’s trial of age verification technology is completed.
It follows changes proposed by the South Australian government earlier this week, which would force social media companies to ban children 13 years old or younger or face fines.
The push to ban children from using social media is now the formal policy of both major parties, after the Coalition said in June it would seek a bipartisan deal to do so.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was looking at the age range between 14 and 16, but he personally preferred a “higher limit”.
“What we’re looking at is how you deliver it,” Mr Albanese told ABC News Breakfast.
“We know that it’s not simple and it’s not easy. Otherwise, governments would have responded before.”
The prime minister said a ban should be coordinated at a national level.
“We want to make sure there’s a national response rather than eight different states responses,” Mr Albanese said.
He said social media was taking children away from real-life experiences with friends and family.
“Parents are worried sick about this,” he said.
“We know they’re working without a map. No generation has faced this challenge before.
“The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount.
“Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field. So do I.”
The legislation will be developed in conjunction with states and territories and be informed by a review undertaken by the South Australian government as part of its draft laws.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton previously announced the Coalition would seek to ban children and teenagers under 16 years of age.
In May Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed a campaign to raise the minimum age for registering social media accounts from 13 to 16.
The Greens however have opposed a ban, saying they would prefer harm education over a blunt ban.

(Latest Update October 10, 2024)