Prime Minister considers allowing existing teenage users to retain their accounts as states prepare for a joint summit on social media regulations

In a significant move towards regulating children’s access to social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated discussions with state and territory leaders about implementing a potential ban for users up to 16 years old. The proposal includes a softer approach, suggesting that teenagers already on social media might keep their accounts under a new framework that could incorporate parental permissions.

In a recent letter to premiers and chief ministers, Albanese sought assistance in establishing a minimum age for social media use and solicited evidence regarding appropriate age limits. The Prime Minister has previously indicated a preference for setting this limit between 14 and 16 years, aiming to balance safety and accessibility.

South Australia has been exploring a state-level ban that would allow access at age 14, while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has pushed for a lifting age of 16. This variation highlights the differing approaches among states in addressing the impact of social media on youth.

Albanese’s letter emphasized the shared responsibility among governments, industry, and communities to protect children from potential harm associated with social media. He stated, “We know social media is doing social harm. We need to do everything we can to keep our kids safe and to help them grow up happy, healthy, and confident.”

The discussions around the ban also included the necessity for parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. In addition, Albanese has called for input on potential exemptions for educational purposes and has prompted an evaluation of implementing phone bans in schools.

The government’s commitment to a social media ban comes amid rising concerns about the negative effects of social media on mental health and wellbeing among children and adolescents. A recent analysis noted that the proposed regulations would likely encompass popular platforms, including video sites and gaming platforms, reflecting a bipartisan effort to address the “scourge” of social media in children’s lives.

While the federal government has taken the lead in developing the ban, state governments are tasked with proposing complementary measures to support young people, particularly those vulnerable to social isolation without social media connections. Albanese acknowledged that the policy aims to protect young people rather than punish or isolate them, stating, “Legislating a minimum age for social media access is about protecting young people.”

As part of the ongoing discussions, Albanese requested assessments from the states on the consequences of withdrawing social media access for existing users, especially considering that marginalised groups, including sexually and gender diverse children, might face increased isolation.

New South Wales and South Australia will convene a joint social media summit next week to further discuss these issues. However, Albanese will be absent from the summit due to his attendance at the Association of South East Asian Nations conference in Laos.