Social Media Platforms Urge Australian Government to Delay Age Restrictions for Children Under 16.
Social media platforms are calling on the Australian government to postpone its proposed age restrictions that would prevent children under 16 from accessing social media. A representative from the digital industry has urged Parliament to delay the implementation of the legislation until the results of a government-commissioned assessment on age verification technologies are completed in June.
Sunita Bose, Managing Director of Digital Industry Group Inc, voiced concerns during a Senate committee hearing regarding the groundbreaking bill introduced in Parliament last week. Bose pointed out that the legislation could be passed without a clear understanding of how it would work in practice, especially in terms of verifying users' ages. “Parliament is being asked to pass a bill this week without knowing how it will work,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a more thorough review before taking action.
The proposed laws aim to impose significant fines—up to 50 million Australian dollars—on platforms that fail to prevent young children from creating social media accounts. The legislation includes strict penalties for platforms that do not comply, which would hold them accountable for the safety and security of young users. Lawmakers have stressed that these new rules are necessary to protect children from the harmful effects of online content, which can include exposure to inappropriate material, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges.
If passed, the bill could become law by Thursday, supported by major political parties. The regulations would take effect one year after the bill’s enactment, giving platforms time to create technological solutions that also prioritize user privacy. The delay would allow social media companies to work on implementing age verification systems that balance both safety and privacy concerns, with a focus on data protection.
Australia’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, who has expressed strong support for the bill, believes that social media in its current form is unsafe for children. “There is more to life than constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to conform to false and unrealistic perfectionism.”
Michelle Rowland emphasized the need for parents to have the power to decline their children’s requests to use social media. “Social media is not a safe product for them,” she added. Rowland has underscored the importance of providing a safer digital environment for young people, as research continues to reveal the negative psychological impacts of social media on adolescents.
In addition to protecting children, the proposed legislation aims to help parents regain control over their children's online activities. Under the new regulations, parents would be able to block social media use for their children or enforce stricter privacy settings. Lawmakers also believe that the bill would encourage tech companies to improve their platforms to better support children’s wellbeing and create more secure environments.
As the Australian government moves closer to approving the legislation, the digital industry continues to push for a delay, citing concerns over the bill’s practical implications and the importance of a comprehensive assessment before implementation. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between the need for child protection and the complexities of enforcing such restrictions on global social media platforms, especially when age verification methods are still evolving.
With growing public concern over the impact of social media on children, this legislation is seen as a critical step in regulating online activity and ensuring that the digital world is safer for younger generations. Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on kids. On the one hand, it offers a platform for creativity, learning, and connecting with others.
However, excessive use can lead to issues like cyberbullying, unrealistic body image pressures, and addiction to constant validation. Kids may struggle with the pressure to conform to online trends and face challenges with managing their mental health. It’s crucial for parents and educators to guide children in using social media responsibly, fostering a healthy balance between the digital world and real-life interactions. Proper age restrictions and digital literacy education can also help mitigate risks.
