DOWNLOAD THE FREE LiSTNR APP
News

What you need to know about the Prime Minister’s social media ban for under 16s

This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formally announced a social media ban for children under 16.

But, parents are still unclear on the exact details.

What do we know?

The proposal would not exempt young people under 16 already on social media.

No child under 16 will be permitted to use social media platforms – such as Instagram and TikTok – even with parental consent.

Tech companies will be responsible for enforcing the ban.

The government intends to introduce legislation to parliament by the end of the year, with the law to take effect 12 months after the law passes.

But what platforms will be included?

The term “social media” describes a range of platforms. It includes X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, as well as online gaming platforms with a social element.

But, the exact platforms to which the ban will apply are still unclear.

The Prime Minister says his government would use the exact definition of social media as that used in Australia’s Social Media Services Online Safety Code. The code defines social media as electronic services that meet the following conditions:

  1. the sole or primary purpose of the service is to enable online social interaction between two or more end‑users
  2. the service allows end‑users to link to or interact with some or all other end‑users
  3. the service will enable end‑users to post material on the service
  4. such other conditions (if any) as are set out in the legislative rules.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the Prime Minister said the goal was to protect the well-being of young people.

“Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians … the safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority,” he said.

“My government will do all we can to protect our young Australians but also to provide support for parents and teachers who are dealing with these issues. I want Australian parents to know we have your back.”

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.