Australia has recently enacted a landmark law banning social media use for children under the age of 16, set to take effect in late 2025. This legislation, which was approved by Parliament on November 13, 2024, aims to protect young users from the potential harms associated with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X [3d74a55e].
The law imposes hefty fines of up to 49.5 million AUD (approximately 33 million USD) for social media companies that fail to comply with the new regulations. Exemptions are made for educational and health services, allowing platforms like YouTube and Google Classroom to continue operating without restrictions [bcf9ff6a].
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has championed this initiative, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for children in an increasingly digital landscape. The law also includes a trial period for enforcement methods starting in January 2025, which will help determine how best to implement the ban effectively [3d74a55e].
While the legislation has garnered support from advocates for child safety, including families affected by online harms, it has also faced criticism for being overly broad and potentially ineffective. Critics argue that the law may not adequately address the complexities of online safety and could inadvertently leave some children vulnerable [3d74a55e].
In comparison to Australia, various countries in Europe have their own regulations regarding minors and social media. For instance, Norway is considering raising the consent age to 15, while the European Union mandates parental consent for children under 16. France requires parental consent for minors under 15, and Germany allows minors aged 13-16 to use social media with parental approval. Belgium sets the minimum age at 13 for accounts without permission, while Italy requires consent for those under 14. Notably, the Netherlands will ban mobile devices in classrooms starting January 2024 [bcf9ff6a].
As Australia takes this significant step, the implications for global youth protection policies are profound, prompting discussions in other regions, including the United States and Hong Kong, about the need for similar protective measures [2cb05af6].