Australia plans social media ban for under-16s

Published On Nov 6, 2024, 6:42 PM

Australia's government plans to introduce legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media, aiming to protect them from the mental health impacts associated with these platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the government stands with parents concerned about their children's safety online. The proposed laws would not apply to those already on social media and would hold platforms accountable for preventing access. However, there is mixed opinion among experts regarding the effectiveness of such a ban, with concerns over enforcement and the potential for children to bypass restrictions. Critics argue for a focus on safety standards rather than outright bans, while proponents of the ban claim it is crucial for safeguarding young people from harmful content.