Australia has made global headlines with its bold move to restrict social media access for kids under 16. This world-first law aims to shield young Aussies from online harms, sparking heated debate across the nation.
The New Law Explained
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 bans under-16s from holding accounts on major platforms. Passed by Parliament in late November 2024, it kicks in from 10 December 2025, with no parental consent loopholes.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Threads must use age verification tech—think facial scans, selfies, or ID checks—to block kids.
Why the Crackdown?
Government reckons social media’s addictive design hooks kids, pumping out harmful content. A 2025 study showed 96% of 10-15-year-olds use it, with 70% copping violent, misogynistic stuff, or self-harm prompts.
PM Albanese wants kids enjoying childhood, not scrolling endlessly. Cyberbullying hits over half, linking to mental health woes—hence the blanket ban over softer fixes.
Affected Platforms and Enforcement
Ten big players face the heat, required to nix under-16 accounts and report monthly deletions. Meta’s already zapping suspect profiles, letting 16+ verify via Yoti.
eSafety Commissioner enforces it, naming platforms after Minister chats.
Debate Rages On
Supporters, including parents and welfare groups, cheer it as overdue protection from addiction and bullies. Two-thirds of Aussies back it, per polls.
Critics cry foul: UNICEF, Human Rights Law Centre, and academics slam it as rights-busting overkill. Blanket bans might isolate LGBTQ+ or rural kids needing online mates; enforcement’s a privacy minefield. Greens call it rushed, ignoring better content filters.
Legal challenges loom, like the Digital Freedom Project’s High Court bid.
Global Ripple Effect
Australia leads the pack—highest age limit worldwide, no opt-outs. EU, France, NZ are pondering similar.
Will it work? Tech giants gripe costs, but comply they must. For now, Aussie parents breathe easier, while teens reckon on VPN workarounds.
This saga underscores the tightrope: kid safety versus digital freedom. As enforcement bites, we’ll see if it tames the social media beast or just drives it underground.