By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Australia on Tuesday banned children from social media is the first democratic country to do so to have introduced such a ban on social media for underage children.
Australia’s social media ban for children is all set to come into force on Wednesday, December 10.
Children under-16 will not be able to use major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, media reported.
Underage Children will not be able to create new accounts and profiles of those, who are already active on these platforms, will be deactivated.
The Australian government argued that the ban would help reduce the negative impact of social media on children.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the rollout of the national ban on Wednesday, said that Australia is the first country in the world to “give it a crack”.
The ban was imposed after considering the challenges faced by both children and their parents due to social media.
“Today, under-16s across Australia woke up to this message. For kids, it means a safer start online. For parents, it’s one less thing to worry about. We’re proud Australia’s the first country in the world to make it happen,” posted Anthony Albanese on the social media platform X.
He described it as a significant move that would protect kids and provide greater peace of mind for Australian parents. It also aims to ensure that children experience a real childhood. In a video message, Anthony Albanese said.
“By banning social media for those under 16, we’re giving kids a childhood and parents more peace of mind.”
The move has also drawn global attention as it puts the onus on the social media firms.
They must ensure there is no user from the restricted age group on their platforms.
The government has directed companies to establish a clear process to delete such accounts, or it will be considered a breach of law, making the company liable for penalties.
In his video message, he highlighted, “Putting the responsibility right where it belongs — on the social media giants, not on parents… Social media companies have a social responsibility. That responsibility starts with the protection of Australian children. This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies, and they are asserting the right of kids to be kids and for parents to have greater peace of mind.”
The ban has been imposed following the passage of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 by the Australian Government.
As per the law, users must be 16 or above to register an account on social media platforms. Parental consent will also not be accepted to sign up users under 16.
The people divided on the issue. Some think the ban will be beneficial, there are others who are of the view that it will make the younger generation less aware of things happening around them.
The government had conducted a study to assess the impact of social media on children.
The study found out that almost all of children (96 per cent) aged 10-15 used social media.
It said that 7 out of every 10 of these children were exposed to harmful content, including misogynistic and violent material. More than half of them also faced cyber bullying.
The ban, the Australian Govt. has said, is its response to these rising concerns.
According to the new federal rules announced by the Australian government, social media companies operating in the country will have to introduce age-verification systems to detect minors.
This includes ID checks, regular audits, and compulsory reporting of how they identify users below the age of 16.
Noncompliance will fetch fines up to USD 31.95 million. However, the penalties will be applicable only to the social media companies and not children or their parents.
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, YouTube, Reddit, Kick and Twitch will not be accessible for children aged below 16.
The dating apps and online games have been excluded but there are demands to include them as well.
The government has said that it will continue to review the list of banned platforms and there are chances dating apps and online gaming platforms may also be included.
YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp have been excluded from the ban.
