Australia has made history as the first country to ban social media use by individuals under 16 years old. On Thursday, the Australian Senate passed the groundbreaking legislation with 39 votes in favor and 19 against, following approval by the House of Representatives, where 102 members supported the bill and 13 opposed it.
The law targets platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, and X, with penalties of up to $33 million for companies that fail to enforce the ban. YouTube, however, is exempt because of its educational role in schools.
Protecting Mental Health
The Australian government has defended the swift passage of the bill, emphasizing its necessity to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the legislation as a “landmark reform,” saying, “We want Australian children to have a childhood, and we want parents to know the government is in their corner.”
Acknowledging that some children may bypass the restrictions, Albanese added, “We’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”
Concerns About Enforcement
Social media companies will not be allowed to request government-issued IDs, including digital IDs, to verify users’ ages. This decision has sparked debate about how the ban will be enforced, as current policies restricting underage accounts—typically under 13 years old—are often ignored. Critics also point out that social media algorithms allegedly encourage addictive behaviors, especially among teenagers.
The legislation has faced significant opposition, with over 15,000 submissions made to parliament in a single day. Amnesty International urged lawmakers not to pass the bill, while the Australian Human Rights Commission expressed “serious reservations,” arguing for alternatives like imposing a legal duty of care on social media companies and enhancing digital literacy in schools.
Academics and advocacy groups have warned of potential unintended consequences, such as pushing teenagers to the dark web or worsening feelings of isolation. Save the Children CEO Mat Tinkler called for more targeted regulation of social media companies rather than a blanket ban.
Tech companies have voiced concerns about the new law. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, requested a delay, criticizing the rushed legislative process and highlighting uncertainties about implementation. Similarly, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk has yet to issue a detailed response but remains a vocal critic of social media overregulation.
The controversial law raises questions about balancing children’s online safety with protecting their rights and digital freedoms. Its implementation and long-term effects will likely serve as a global test case for regulating social media use among minors.
