The Government’s social media ban for children under 16 passed the Senate last night with the support of the Coalition. It means Australia is the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media.
The bill includes fines of $50 million for platforms, like Instagram and Snapchat, if they don’t block children under 16. The ban will come into effect within 12 months.
The crossbench and two Coalition senators voted against the legislation.
Background
Campaign group 36 Months has been calling for a social media ban for children under 16, citing concerns about young people’s mental health.
Since May, more than 127,000 people have signed the group’s online petition to lift the age of social media access.
Earlier this year, South Australia became the first jurisdiction in the country to move towards restricting teens under 16 from social media.
Ban
The Government’s ban will make it illegal for children under 16 to access certain social media platforms.
Under the new measure, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook must stop children under 16 from creating an account.
Under 16s will still be able to watch YouTube videos because the site does not require an account to watch most of the videos.
Messaging apps and online gaming platforms will be exempt from the ban. Young people will also be able to create accounts to access educational platforms.
The responsibility will fall on social media companies to enforce the ban. Failure to comply will result in a $50 million fine.
The Government is trialling “age assurance” technology to find the best way to verify users’ age.
Support
When the bill was introduced, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said: “Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians.”
The Opposition also supported the bill.
In June, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he’d introduce a ban within 100 days of coming to power if the Coalition wins the next election.
Criticism
The crossbench voted against the measure, and was joined by two Coalition Senators who also opposed the bill.
Greens communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said: “You don’t make platforms safer by just locking young people out.”
She pointed to a parliamentary committee report earlier this month which did not recommend a ban.
“Whether you’re a 14-year-old or a 64-year-old — these companies have a responsibility to provide a safe product,” Hanson-Young said.
