Australia Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 Years Old

SEAToday.com, Melbourne - The Australian Parliament approved a law to ban social media for children under 16 years old, Friday (11/29). The Senate passed the vote 34 to 19 on late Thursday before the House of Representatives approved it on early Friday. The law would be the first of its kind in the world.

The legislation will make social media platforms liable for fines up to AUD 50 million (USD 30 million) for systemic failures to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. It does not specify the platforms, but Communication Minister Michelle Rowland had said the ban would include Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his support for the law, saying that it supports parents concerned by harm their children face online. “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” Albanese said.

“We want Australian children to enjoy their childhood, and we want parents to know that the government is with them. This is an important reform,” he added.

Most social media do have policies in place to restrict children from using their services, but these are often ignored.