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Australia has made history by becoming the first country in the world to pass legislation banning children under the age of 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms. The landmark law, passed by the Senate with an overwhelming majority of 102 to 13, signals Australia’s firm commitment to protecting its youth from the pervasive risks of social media. This unprecedented step has drawn both applause and criticism, but its implications for child safety and corporate responsibility are undeniable.
The legislation will hold major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X accountable for systemic failures to prevent minors from accessing their services. Companies found in violation of this law could face staggering fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million). While critics argue the law is challenging to enforce and risks overreach, its supporters emphasize the urgency of addressing the growing mental health crisis and social harms fueled by unchecked social media access among children.
Australia’s decisive action comes in the wake of mounting global concern about the negative effects of social media on younger users. Platforms designed to engage, entertain, and connect have inadvertently become hotbeds of cyberbullying, exploitation, misinformation, and mental health issues. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, the rapid rise of social media usage among children and teenagers has led to similar debates, though few have yet implemented measures as robust as Australia’s.
For example, in the United States, research shows a concerning link between social media use and rising rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2023 that nearly one in three teen girls in the U.S. had seriously considered suicide, with excessive social media use identified as a key contributing factor. Despite bipartisan calls for regulation, efforts to introduce federal legislation in the U.S. remain fragmented, leaving states like Utah and Arkansas to pursue their own age-verification laws for social media.
In the United Kingdom, similar challenges have arisen. Social media platforms have faced increasing scrutiny following tragic cases like that of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old girl who died by suicide after being exposed to harmful online content. Her death led to the UK drafting the Online Safety Bill, which proposes stricter regulations for platforms, including age verification requirements. While progress has been made, the bill has yet to be fully enacted.
India, the world’s largest social media market, is also grappling with the dark side of its digital revolution. With millions of underage users active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, reports of online harassment, child exploitation, and addictive behaviors are on the rise. Although India has passed laws to combat cybercrime and enhance digital literacy, implementing age restrictions has proven difficult in a country where internet access is ubiquitous and enforcement mechanisms are limited.
Against this backdrop, Australia’s bold step stands out as a world-first initiative that prioritizes the safety of children over corporate interests. Government ministers have been vocal in their support of the legislation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as a “historic moment for child protection in the digital age.” Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus emphasized that the law would force tech giants to take responsibility for the harmful impacts of their platforms, adding, “This is about putting the safety of our children above profit margins.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland echoed these sentiments, stating that the legislation addresses a critical gap in protecting children from the darker corners of the internet. “For too long, tech companies have evaded accountability for the damage their platforms cause to vulnerable young users,” she said. Rowland also pointed to the year-long implementation period as a reasonable timeframe for companies to develop effective mechanisms to enforce the age restrictions.
Unsurprisingly, the legislation has not been without its critics. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about privacy, questioning whether the law will lead to intrusive age-verification processes that could jeopardize user anonymity. Others argue that the legislation places an undue burden on tech companies, potentially leading to unintended consequences such as restricting access to educational or beneficial digital resources.
Tech industry representatives have also expressed skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing the law. Social media platforms, many of which operate across multiple jurisdictions with varying regulations, face significant logistical challenges in ensuring compliance. Some have warned that stringent penalties could stifle innovation and lead to a fragmented digital landscape.
Opposition lawmakers have taken issue with what they perceive as the government’s heavy-handed approach. Shadow Communications Minister Paul Fletcher argued that parental controls and digital literacy programs should be prioritized over punitive measures. “Banning children from social media doesn’t address the root causes of the problem,” Fletcher said. “We need to educate young people about responsible online behavior, not simply shut the door on them.”
Despite these objections, public support for the legislation has been strong, driven by growing awareness of the risks posed by unfettered access to social media. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals have hailed the move as a necessary step toward safeguarding young Australians. Many have pointed to the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which use sophisticated algorithms to keep users engaged for hours, often at the expense of their mental well-being.
The Australian government has underscored that the new law is not an attempt to curb freedom of expression or stifle creativity but rather a measure to protect the most vulnerable members of society. By holding tech companies accountable, the law aims to create a safer online environment where children can grow, learn, and connect without being exposed to harmful content or predatory behavior.
As the world watches Australia implement this groundbreaking legislation, other countries may be inspired to follow suit. While the challenges of enforcement and opposition remain, Australia’s move sets a powerful precedent in prioritizing child safety in the digital age. It is a bold reminder that governments can and should take decisive action to address the societal harms posed by unchecked technological innovation.
By leading the way in regulating social media for children, Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of its younger citizens. The new law is not just a milestone for the nation but a beacon for global efforts to create a safer, healthier digital future. As other countries grapple with similar challenges, Australia’s example demonstrates that meaningful change is possible when governments prioritize their people over corporate interests.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
