Australia is poised to introduce a minimum age requirement for social media use in a bid to address growing concerns over mental and physical health impacts on young people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the government will conduct an age verification trial before setting official age limits, which are expected to fall between 14 and 16 years old.
The proposed legislation aims to shift children’s focus from digital devices to physical activities, such as sports, in response to evidence linking social media use with social harm. If enacted, Australia would become one of the first nations to enforce such age restrictions, following previous unsuccessful attempts by the European Union and others.
The plan has faced criticism from digital rights advocates and experts, who warn that it could drive young users to less regulated online spaces, potentially increasing their exposure to harmful content. Concerns include the possibility of pushing minors to seek out underground or unregulated platforms and the potential exclusion from crucial online support networks.
The debate is part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into the effects of social media, which has revealed both the detrimental impact on teenage mental health and the potential unintended consequences of stringent age controls. Critics argue that while well-intentioned, the restrictions might exacerbate issues for teens who rely on social media for support and interaction.
A 2023 University of Sydney study highlighted that a significant portion of Australian youths, aged 12 to 17, actively use platforms like YouTube and Instagram, underscoring the challenge of enforcing age limits in a highly connected digital landscape.