🚫 Say goodbye to endless scrolling! Australia is shaking things up with a bold move to ban social media access for kids under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday a groundbreaking plan that's got everyone talking.
\"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I'm calling time on it,\" Albanese declared during a news conference. 📢
This isn't just talk—Australia is trialing age-verification systems, including biometrics and government IDs, to make sure under-16s can't access platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and more. No more sneaky accounts or parental overrides.
But why the drastic step? 🤔 Excessive social media use has been linked to risks like harming kids' physical and mental health. Albanese pointed out the impact on girls from unrealistic body images and the spread of misogynistic content targeting boys.
\"If you're a 14-year-old getting this stuff, at a time when you're going through life's changes, it can be really difficult. What we're doing is listening and then acting,\" he added.
Australia's stance is one of the strictest globally. While other countries have proposed limits, no one has taken it this far. Legislation is set to hit the parliament this year, with laws kicking in 12 months after they're passed. 🏛️
The move has support across the board, with the opposition Liberal Party on board. But not everyone is cheering. The Digital Industry Group, which includes giants like Meta, TikTok, and Google, is worried this could push teens towards unregulated corners of the internet and cut them off from support networks.
\"Keeping young people safe online is a top priority… but the proposed ban is a 20th-century response to 21st-century challenges,\" said DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose. \"Rather than blocking access, we need a balanced approach to create age-appropriate spaces, build digital literacy, and protect young people from online harm.\"
So, what does this mean for the digital generation? Will Australia set a new standard for online safety, or is this a step too far? Time will tell, but one thing's for sure—the internet down under might never be the same! 🌐🇦🇺
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
