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Australia is set to implement new legislation establishing a minimum age for social media use, a move aimed at safeguarding children and supporting concerned parents. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this initiative, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the rising mental health concerns associated with social media and digital platforms.
In a statement posted on X, Albanese emphasized the importance of protecting children online, stating, “We’ll legislate a minimum age for social media to keep children safe.” He further explained, “Parents tell me they’re worried about what age their kids should be on social media. We’ll introduce legislation in this term of Parliament to enforce a minimum age for social media and other digital platforms. It’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.”
The decision to legislate a minimum age comes in response to growing concerns over children’s mental health and the impact of social media. According to a National Poll on Children’s Health by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, more than half of parents rank mental health issues as the top health concern for their children and teens. This reflects a broader trend where mental health and technology use have emerged as major concerns, surpassing issues like childhood obesity, which was previously considered the top concern.
Dr. Susan Woolford, co-director of the Mott Poll and a pediatrician at Mott, noted, “Parents still view problems directly impacting physical health, including unhealthy eating and obesity, as important children’s health issues. But these have been overtaken by concerns about mental health, social media, and screen time.” The poll highlights that two-thirds of parents are particularly worried about increased screen time and social media use, which have become predominant issues in children’s health.
The Australian government’s forthcoming legislation aims to address these concerns by setting clear age limits for social media access, thereby helping parents manage and monitor their children’s digital interactions more effectively. This legislative effort is expected to play a crucial role in promoting healthier online habits and protecting young users from potential harms associated with early and excessive social media exposure.
Sources By Agencies
