’World-first’ social media ban for kids could be just 12 months away

A world-first social media ban for kids under 16 years of age could be just 12 months away, with the government to introduce its bill in a fortnight.

Anthony Albanese has won the support of all states and territories to ban social media for children under the age of 16 — with a bill outlining the “world-first” move to be introduced in just two weeks’ time.

The Prime Minister said all state and territory leaders had agreed to the cut-off age of 16 at a national cabinet meeting on Friday morning, but Tasmania said it would have preferred access to be banned until a child turns 14.

The national green light follows News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids campaign, which raised awareness about the dangerous impact of social media on children.

“Tasmania would have preferred the age of 14, but they didn’t want to stand in the way of national uniformity, and regarded getting a uniform national decision and process as more important,” Mr Albanese said.

The laws will come into effect 12 months after the bill passes parliament. The bill will be introduced in the next sitting week, which starts on November 18.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australia's Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, hold a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

The legislation, which has been presented to the state leaders, puts the onus on Big Tech to regulate the age restrictions, or face significant fines, instead of punishing parents and guardians if children flout the rules.

Major platforms including Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook will all be subject to the ban but exemptions could apply to child-focused platforms such as YouTube Kids.

Mr Albanese said he spoke to Queensland’s newly-elected Liberal Premier David Crisafulli who was also on-board with the plan at his first national cabinet meeting.

“He was very supportive and supportive of 16,” he said.

Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has claimed the onus of age protections should be on app stores like Apple and Android and not the individual platforms.

But Mr Albanese doubled-down that his government had “got the proposal right”.

Legislation to ban social media will be introduced to parliament in a fortnight. Picture: AFP

The government also reassured Australians the protections won’t impede on the privacy of users in a bid to regulate children’s access.

Communication Minister Michelle Rowland said the one year implementation period between the legislation passing and the laws coming into effect will ensure there is no risk to privacy and data.

“Our legislation contains strong privacy protections. we know the technologies are developing rapidly but privacy should be paramount,” she said.

Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman called on the government to expressly rule out exemptions for more niche social media products like Instagram teen accounts.

Meta recently announced Instagram teens accounts which has more parental controls and is aimed at teen users.

“Those platforms have demonstrated that they are not safe places for children and should not be allowed to find other ways onto their screens,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns welcomed the announcement, labelling it “world leading”.

“This will make a major different, not just to our country, but to people around the world because the world is watching,” he said.

“It’s absolutely required and needed in Australia, this is true leadership on the issue.”