Teenagers currently using social media may be allowed to retain their accounts under a proposed ban by the federal government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the door to a more flexible approach, including the potential for parental permissions rather than imposing a strict prohibition. This possibility was outlined in a letter sent to state and territory leaders.
In his correspondence, Mr Albanese sought assistance from premiers and chief ministers in establishing a minimum age for social media usage. He also requested any evidence they might have regarding the appropriate age for lifting the ban. Previously, the Prime Minister has preferred setting the minimum age between 14 and 16 years old.
South Australia has been working on a state-level ban on social media access that would be lifted at 14, while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has advocated for the ban to be lifted at 16. South Australia’s proposal would restrict access for users aged 13 and under and require parental consent for those aged 14 and 15.
“We know social media is doing social harm. We need to do everything we can to keep our kids safe and to help them grow up happy, healthy, and confident,” Mr Albanese stated. He emphasised that “protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility across all governments, as well as industry, civil society, and communities.”
Along with seeking states’ views on potentially grandfathering the scheme and incorporating parental consent as a factor for age limits, Mr Albanese requested information regarding exemptions for educational tools and an evaluation of implementing phone bans in schools. While the federal government is leading the development of a social media ban, states have been asked to provide support measures for young people, including alternative social connection sources and resources for vulnerable individuals who may rely on social media for connection.
The government’s indecision regarding whether young people already online should be stripped of their accounts is evident, as Mr Albanese also sought an assessment of the impacts of removing these services from them. Some social advocates have cautioned that marginalised groups, including sexually and gender-diverse children, could face isolation without access to social media.
“Legislating a minimum age for social media access is about protecting young people, not punishing or isolating them,” Mr Albanese added.
New South Wales and South Australia will jointly host a social media summit next week. However, the Prime Minister cannot attend due to his commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations conference in Laos.
