Prime Minister Albanese announces a plan to ban social media use for children, aiming to address growing worries about its impact on young people’s health

In a significant policy shift, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce a national social media age limit, aiming to tackle the negative effects of social media on children. On September 9, 2024, Albanese confirmed that the government will soon commit to legislation restricting social media access for minors, following similar moves by Victoria and South Australia.

The proposed ban, driven by increasing parental concerns and evidence of social media’s harmful impacts, seeks to protect young Australians’ mental and physical health. Albanese described the current situation as dire, stating, “Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map. No generation has faced this challenge before.”

The legislation will be informed by a recent report by former High Court Chief Justice Robert French, commissioned by South Australia. Albanese emphasized that while technology evolves rapidly, the government must act to safeguard children’s well-being. “We are taking this action because enough is enough,” he declared.

Although no specific age limit has been set, the government is considering a range between 13 and 16 years. This follows the practice of major social media companies that typically restrict sign-ups for users under 13, though these barriers are often easily circumvented. The government plans to use age assurance technology, which is currently being trialed, to enforce these restrictions.

South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas, who has been vocal about the need for such a ban, echoed Albanese’s sentiments at a national cabinet meeting last week. Malinauskas likened social media to harmful substances like cigarettes and alcohol, asserting that “when a product or service hurts children, governments must act.” His state will collaborate closely with the federal government to implement the ban.

The plan has received bipartisan support, with federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton previously advocating for an age limit. Dutton compared social media access to allowing children to mingle unsupervised with strangers or view explicit content, stressing the need for regulatory measures to match technological advancements.

Labor has allocated $6.5 million in the budget to trial age verification technologies. This funding aims to explore solutions for limiting social media access and blocking children from online pornography. Testing of these technologies is set to commence this week, following consultations with parents, youth, social media platforms, and academics.

However, the enforcement of these age limits remains uncertain. Experts suggest various methods, including self-reporting, parental consent, and age estimation based on user behavior. Yet, these approaches raise privacy concerns, as they involve handling sensitive personal data. RMIT University’s Professor Lisa M Given has highlighted potential issues with privacy and the practicality of digital ID systems.

Analysis:

Political: The Albanese government’s move to impose a social media age limit is a strategic political maneuver aimed at addressing widespread concerns among voters. By tackling a contentious issue that resonates with many parents, the government positions itself as a proactive protector of children’s well-being. This policy aligns with broader international trends towards regulating digital platforms and may bolster Albanese’s political capital by demonstrating responsiveness to public concerns.

Social: Socially, the proposed ban reflects deepening anxieties about the impact of social media on youth. It underscores the growing recognition of the need for protective measures in the digital age. The policy aims to mitigate issues such as cyberbullying, addiction, and the pressure of online standards. However, it also raises questions about the potential exclusion of young people from valuable online social networks and the quality of interactions they might find elsewhere.

Racial: The racial implications of the social media ban are less direct but could become relevant as the policy is discussed and implemented. Social media often serves as a platform for diverse communities to connect and advocate for their interests. Restrictions on access might disproportionately affect marginalized groups who use these platforms for visibility and support. Monitoring the policy’s impact on different racial and ethnic communities will be important to ensure it does not inadvertently disadvantage these groups.

Gender: The gender-specific impacts of the proposed ban are also significant. Girls and young women, who are often more active on social media and face higher rates of online harassment and body image issues, may be particularly affected. The policy could have differential impacts on gender dynamics, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities. Ensuring that the ban does not disproportionately affect one gender over another will be a critical aspect of its implementation and evaluation.

Economic: Economically, the ban could affect the digital economy and marketing industries that target youth. Social media platforms might see reduced engagement from younger users, impacting their advertising revenues and business models. Additionally, companies that rely on social media for brand promotion and customer engagement will need to adjust their strategies in response to shifting demographics. The broader economic implications will depend on the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms and the adaptability of the digital marketplace.