Australia is considering implementing a minimum age requirement for social media use due to concerns over the mental and physical health of young users. This proposal has triggered a backlash from digital rights advocates who argue that it could push risky online behaviors into less regulated spaces.
Age Verification Trial and Government Goals
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government would conduct an age verification trial before establishing minimum age laws for social media later this year. While the exact age has not been determined, it is expected to be between 14 and 16 years old. Albanese expressed his desire for children to engage more in physical activities like sports rather than spending time on social media, which he believes causes social harm.
Australia’s Position on Social Media Regulation
If enacted, Australia would become one of the first countries to impose such age restrictions on social media platforms. Previous attempts in other regions, such as the European Union, have failed due to concerns about restricting the online rights of minors.
Reactions from Social Media Companies
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which already has a minimum age of 13, has expressed a desire to support young users and their parents rather than restricting access. Alphabet, the owner of YouTube, did not respond to requests for comment, and TikTok’s response was also unavailable at the time.
Digital Rights Concerns and Public Opinion
Australia has one of the highest social media penetration rates globally, with four-fifths of its 26 million people active online. A 2023 University of Sydney study found that three-quarters of Australians aged 12 to 17 use platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Albanese’s proposal comes amid a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of social media on mental health, which has revealed both serious concerns and practical challenges related to enforcing age restrictions.
Potential Risks of Age Restrictions
Critics argue that implementing age limits could have unintended consequences, such as driving young users to less regulated and potentially harmful online environments. Daniel Angus, from the Queensland University of Technology Digital Media Research Centre, warned that such measures might exclude young people from valuable digital experiences and support networks.
Concerns from Regulatory and Industry Experts
The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s internet regulator, has cautioned that restriction-based approaches might limit young people’s access to crucial support and push them towards less regulated online spaces. DIGI, an industry body representing social media platforms, has urged the government to consider the perspectives of experts, including mental health professionals and marginalized communities, to avoid pushing children into unsafe areas of the internet.
source: reuters
