Australia Proposes Ban on Social Media for Kids Under 16

Australian authorities to create a safer digital environment for younger users.

Australia has proposed groundbreaking legislation to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media without parental consent, marking one of the strictest approaches globally toward online safety for minors. The proposal aims to address concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and data privacy risks on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. If passed, social media companies would need to verify users' ages and implement stricter parental control measures.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese has shared that the Australian government will legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16. The country is trialing an age-verification system to assist in blocking children from accessing social media platforms, as part of a range of measures that include some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.

Talking to the media, Albanese said, "Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it.” Citing the risks to physical and mental health of children from excessive social media use, he emphasized on the risks to girls from harmful depictions of body image, and misogynist content aimed at boys.

Several nations have pledged to limit children’s social media use through new legislation, but Australia’s proposal introduces unique enforcement measures, including age verification through biometrics or government-issued IDs, setting a new benchmark globally. The proposed age limit of 16 is the highest set by any country, and Australia’s plan is notable for requiring parental consent with no exemptions, even for existing accounts. These measures, if implemented, would make Australia the first to enforce such stringent guidelines on social media access for minors.