Australian government to legislate minimum social media age to protect children
In a recent announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed plans to introduce legislation establishing a minimum age for social media use. This initiative aims to enhance child safety and support parents in managing their children’s digital activities.
In a statement posted on X, Albanese emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing parental concerns about social media and digital platform usage. “We’ll introduce legislation in this term of Parliament to enforce a minimum age for social media and other digital platforms,” he said. “It’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.”
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health. A recent National Poll on Children’s Health by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital highlights that mental health issues and technology use are now top concerns for parents. The poll, conducted on August 21 last year, found that more than half of parents view mental health as the foremost health concern for their children and teens.
Susan Woolford, MD, MPH, co-director of the Mott Poll, noted that while physical health issues like obesity remain important, they have been overshadowed by worries about mental health and technology. “Parents are increasingly worried about children’s time on devices and social media, which now rank as the top two concerns in children’s health,” Woolford said.
Two-thirds of parents express anxiety about the rising screen time and social media use among their children. Concerns include potential negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, and overall health, such as sleep disruptions and unhealthy habits.
The Australian government’s proposed legislation aims to address these concerns by setting clear guidelines for the appropriate age for social media use, thus helping to mitigate risks and better support families.
