Australian lawmakers have approved one of the world’s toughest restrictions on social media, banning under-16s from accessing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The landmark legislation, which passed both parliamentary chambers with bipartisan support on Thursday, requires social media firms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from creating accounts.
Companies that fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 32.5 million). However, some firms have criticised the legislation as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
The bill cleared the House of Representatives on Wednesday and passed the Senate late Thursday, making it almost certain to become law.
Centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a vocal advocate of the reforms, rallying parents to support the changes ahead of a potential election next year. Albanese has characterised social media as “a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers, and, worst of all, a tool for online predators.”
He encouraged young Australians to spend less time on screens, stating he wants them “off their phones and onto the footy and cricket field, the tennis and netball courts, in the swimming pool.”
Young Australians have expressed concerns about the impact of the ban. Twelve-year-old Angus Lydom told AFP, “I’d like to keep using it. And it’ll be a weird feeling to not have it and be able to talk to all my friends at home.” He added that many would likely try to bypass the restrictions: “I’ll find a way. And so will all my other friends.”
Similarly, 11-year-old Elsie Arkinstall highlighted the educational value of social media, particularly for accessing tutorials on baking and art. “Kids and teens should be able to explore those techniques because you can’t learn all those things from books,” she said.
While the legislation is among the strictest globally, experts warn that enforcement details are lacking. The rules will not come into effect for at least 12 months, as regulators work out the specifics.
Exemptions are expected for platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube, which are deemed necessary for schoolwork and recreational purposes. Late amendments also ruled out using government-issued digital IDs for age verification.
Social media expert Susan Grantham suggested a focus on digital literacy programs similar to Finland’s model. “Teaching children to think critically about what they see online may be a more effective approach,” she told AFP.
Australia’s move is being closely watched internationally, with several countries considering similar measures. Lawmakers in Spain and Florida have proposed social media restrictions for teens, though none have been enacted.
China already imposes strict limits on minors, restricting under-14s to 40 minutes per day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, since 2021. Online gaming for children is also heavily regulated in China.
As Australia prepares to implement the legislation, its success and challenges may influence the global debate on managing youth access to social media.
