‘No accountability’: Push to ban social media for under 16s

Aussies are demanding more actions to protect children from the dangers of social media, with a national survey finding overwhelming support for a ban for kids aged under 16.

Aussies are demanding more actions to protect children from the dangers of social media, with a national survey finding overwhelming support for a ban for kids aged under 16.

The survey of more than 2500 people, conducted as part of News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids campaign, found respondents were open to a range of measures, including lifting the age limit to at least 16 years and to a specific complaint call centre being established.

Conducted at the end of last month, the survey found half of respondents were concerned with the impact of social media on themselves and/or their loved ones, with almost 70 per cent indicating how the age limit should be raised from 13 to at least 16 years.

A similar number believed that social media operators were at least somewhat responsible for ensuring the safety and respect of users, addressing online violence, harassment and bullying with seven in 10 respondents indicating how they felt the organisations themselves needed to be accountable for the social and economic impacts on vulnerable users.

There is overwhelming support for a social media age restriction.

Another 85 per cent believed social media platforms needed to be responsible for ensuring that inaccurate, harmful or misleading information was not promoted nor widely shared on their platforms.

The survey also found a strong view among respondents for the social media companies to face the same rules that Australian businesses were required to abide by.

At least 83 per cent of respondents felt social media platforms should keep records of who was advertising with them, and the ads they posted with a similar number wanting independent auditors to look at the safety and content on their platforms.

As for actions, 96 per cent of Australians believed social media needed to do “something more” to operate locally with older generations having a more comprehensive range of expectations.

The survey found 65 per cent believe social media companies should face penalties, including criminal sanctions, for noncompliance with Australian laws.

Another 60 per cent wanted social media companies to be liable for content that was amplified, curated and controlled by their algorithms.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the government was working with other states, especially South Australia, to better regulate age bans and content limits on social media platforms, particularly to kids aged under 14.

“I am a parent in that 85 per cent that wants to see these companies held responsible for the harm they are inflicting on our children and I will do whatever I can to help this campaign,” he said.

“There is no accountability for these multimedia conglomerates that distribute and even promote this highly damaging content and something has to change.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the responses showed how the “claws of social media giants” had gripped Australian lives.

“The exploitation of the personal data of Queenslanders and the blocking of Australian news content is concerning,” he said.

“We must do everything we can to ensure Australians feel safe and secure online and level the playing field so action can be taken.”