Both Labor and the Liberal-National Party Coalition have backed plans to ban children under 16 from social media in the future.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton recently unveiled his plan to block teenage children from accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Penalties will apply to companies that “do not comply,” with further details will be provided in due course.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government is already progressing in a similar direction, with $6.5 million allocated for a trial of online age verification.
Mr. Dutton reassured parents having tough conversations with their children, that the law would it easier.
“You can’t drive a car until you get your licence, that’s the law. You’d love to drive a car beforehand.”
Mr. Dutton said the Coalition wants the same rules and the same laws that apply in real life to apply online.
“These companies need to be pressured, and if we do nothing, the red lines continue to be crossed.”
Libertarian Party Suggests Leaving it to the Parents
Meanwhile, leading Libertarian Senate Candidate for Victoria Jordan Dittloff responded to Mr. Dutton’s plan by saying, “Today Peter Dutton confirmed he supports social media censorship.”13 Is Too Young for Social Media, David Coleman
Meanwhile, Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman claimed social media companies have “let Australian families down” by not enforcing age limits.He stated that the age limit of 13 is too young and raised concerns that social media companies do not enforce it properly.
Albanese Backs Raising Social Media Age, with Government Conducting a ‘Trial’
Similarly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a media campaign that would increase the social media age from 13 to 16 years old.Mr. Albanese explained that the federal government has allocated money in the budget to trial age restriction.
“The Internet is difficult. We know that’s the case to provide any restrictions,” Mr. Albanese said.
“We did that in this year’s Budget. Last year’s Budget, we quadrupled funding for the e-Safety Commissioner.”
He also highlighted the negative behaviour online, noting that people say things online they would never say “face to face completely.”
South Australia Looking at Banning Children Under 14
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is also looking into banning children under 14 from having social media accounts.The Labor government has appointed former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French AC to examine the legal, regulatory, and technological pathways for the ban.
Further, the South Australian government is looking at requiring parental consent for children between 14 and 15.
Mr. Malinauskas said like most parents, he is concerned about the impact social media is having on children in the community.
“I am determined to ensure as a government we are doing everything we can to protect our children.”