Albanese announces ban on social networks for under 16s
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an “unprecedented” ban on social media for teenagers under 16.
In a press release, the Prime Minister said social media posed a danger to young people as a means of online bullying, peer pressure, scams and sexual harassment.
“I know there are many moms and dads who have been pushing for change in this area, and this newspaper has campaigned strongly to support them,” the statement said.
“It is not possible to return to a world without technology, and the Internet has given us all access to a world of knowledge and culture that can be a true force for good. But too often, social media isn’t social at all.
While the details of the new legislation are still being ironed out, Prime Minister Albanese said that users will not be penalized, but that the responsibility to ensure that people under the age of 16 do not access the social media will be the responsibility of the platforms and that enforcement of the legislation will be the responsibility of the Electronic Safety Commissioner.
People under 16 who already have social media accounts will be exempt from the new legislation, but those who obtain parental consent to join the platforms will still be banned.
Prime Minister Albanese said the new legislation would be presented to Parliament before the end of 2024 and would become applicable 12 months after its adoption.
“We all know that technology evolves quickly. I am sure there will be people who will make finding or circumventing these new laws a priority, some might succeed,” said Prime Minister Albanese.
“None of this excuses inaction. After all, many young people find ways to obtain alcohol before the age of 18, but no one is saying we should lower the drinking age.
“[The] The Government may not be able to protect every child from every threat on social media, but we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help as many young Australians as possible.
Research suggests that social media impacts mental health. University of California’s Davis Health says that, particularly among young adults, social media creates feelings of “anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of missing out).” .
While some applauded the new legislation, some experts called the ban short-sighted.
Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Center at the Queensland University of Technology, said the legislation was rushed through before a joint social media inquiry released its interim report.
“This impulsive decision undermines joint inquiry and deliberative democratic principles and threatens to cause serious harm by excluding young people from meaningful and healthy participation in the digital world, potentially pushing them into lower quality online spaces and removing an important means of social communication. connection,” Angus said.
“This also means that very large online platforms will not be forced to make necessary reforms regarding the quality of content on their platforms, as this only puts a door in the door rather than improving what is there. the other side.”
