Australia Proposes 16 as Minimum Age for Social Media Access.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian government unveiled a proposed law on Thursday to set a minimum age of 16 for children accessing social media, making platforms responsible for enforcing this rule.

"Social media is harming our kids, and it's time we put a stop to it," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament’s final sessions of the year, beginning November 18, and would come into effect 12 months after passage. Platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook would have that time to implement measures preventing access for users under 16.

“I’ve spoken to many parents, grandparents, and other caregivers. They, like me, are worried sick about online safety for our kids,” Albanese said, adding that responsibility for enforcement will rest solely with social media companies, not with parents or young people themselves.

The proposed regulation joins global discussions on how to manage young people’s technology use. Under the bill, platforms found in breach of the age restriction would face penalties.

Meta’s head of safety, Antigone Davis, responded by saying that while Meta would comply with the regulation, “we need a deeper discussion on implementing effective protections, so parents and teens can actually see improved safety.” She recommended stronger controls through app stores and operating systems as a simpler solution.

The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), a digital industry advocacy group in Australia, criticized the age limit, calling it a “20th-century response to a 21st-century problem.” DIGI managing director Sunita Bose urged a focus on creating age-appropriate spaces, building digital literacy, and addressing online risks in a more balanced way.

More than 140 experts from academia recently sent an open letter to Albanese, calling the age restriction “too blunt an instrument” for effectively managing online risks. Jackie Hallan, of the youth mental health service ReachOut, echoed this concern, noting that 73% of young Australians use social media to access mental health resources.

Hallan expressed concern that banning social media for young people might push them to hide their online behavior from parents, reducing their access to support.

Child psychologist Philip Tam suggested that an age limit of 12 or 13 might have been more realistic and enforceable, while law professor Faith Gordon warned that restricting young people from social media could lead to stress within families.

The legislation allows for certain exceptions, such as educational access, though parental consent alone will not permit users under 16 to join social media. Earlier this year, the government began trialing age-verification technologies, with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner overseeing compliance and providing guidance based on the trial results.

The opposition party has indicated preliminary support, with opposition lawmaker Paul Fletcher arguing that social media platforms already possess the technical capability to implement age restrictions.

“If you have well-crafted legislation and stand by it, you can achieve these protections,” Fletcher said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized that the lead-in period will help ensure the age limit is “practically implemented”.