Legislation to enforce a minimum age of 16 years for social media has been inrtoduced to federal parliament.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 requires social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.
However, the bill will ensure young Australians have continued access to messaging and online gaming, as well as access to services which are health and education related, such as Headspace, Kids Helpline, and Google Classroom and YouTube.
Digital platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for systemic breaches.
Age-restricted social media platform include Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X.
“We know social media is doing social harm," said prime minister Anthony Albanese.
“We want Australian children to have a childhood, and we want parents to know the government is in their corner.
“This is a landmark reform. We know some kids will find workarounds, but we're sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”
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