PM pushes to limit social media access until teenagers are 16

Anthony Albanese has revealed how long he prefers keeping kids from using toxic social media platforms.

Anthony Albanese has revealed that he prefers to keep kids away from toxic social media platforms for longer, with his preferred age limit leaning towards 16.

As the Federal Government considers exactly where to put new age limits on social media accounts, the Prime Minister has conceded he would like to ensure that teenagers are older before the proposed bans are lifted.

“So, the right age is between 14 and 16. I have a personal view. I err on the side of a higher limit,’’ Mr Albanese told NOVA FM.

“That’s where I’m at. But I want to make sure that we don’t end up with different systems in different states.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to implement age restrictions on social media, with a preferred limit between 14 and 16. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“We want a national approach to an issue, which is a national issue. So, that’s one of the reasons why we’ve got out there and made this announcement, perhaps earlier than we would have. We were going to wait for the trial and then make an announcement.

“But we wanted to make it clear where we were headed, that we will have legislation by the end of the year. And one of the things that the age verification trial will do is to look at, through real experience, and we’ve done a lot of work, like it’s at the final stage now of then going out and undertaking this trial.

‘Every parent knows this is an issue’

Mr Albanese said the mental health impact of unfettered access to social media was clear.

“ I haven’t changed my mind. I’ve been determined to make sure this happened,’’ he said.

“Every parent knows that this is an issue. I mean, my young fellow, who I think you’ve all met, is now 23. This was an issue when he was young, you know, when he was 12, 13, a teenager. It’s more of an issue now.

“When I stood on the sideline at the Newtown Swans games all those years ago, it was something that we were talking about with other parents and it has gotten worse. There’s no question. And that’s why governments are looking at acting.

Facial recognition technology is being considered to enforce the age restrictions. Photo: iStock

“But my Government is prepared to lead globally, if need be, on this issue, to have a crack at getting this right. Which is why we are undertaking the trial and why we’ve committed to letting people know that the legislation will be in the parliament in November, because we do want to let parents know as well that we’ve got your back. 

“We understand. And let young people know as well. I think, from talking with some younger people about this, and as I go out and about, I’ve had discussions with them, “what do you think?” And for many of them, some of them say, “no, I should be allowed to do whatever I want.” But many of them as well, certainly recognise that this is a problem. They recognise that many of their friends have suffered from some mental health issues as a result of social media.”

Facial recognition technology option 

Facial recognition technology may be deployed to stop children from accessing Snapchat, Instagram and pornography in Australia under landmark new laws.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed it’s one of the technologies under consideration to set an age limit for banning younger teenagers from social media.

But he’s conceded that placing age verification limits on social media will be a challenging task that may involve trial and error.

The government plans to introduce legislation by the end of the year and is focused on social media companies showing more responsibility. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“We want to make sure we get it right, but we want to make sure as well that we act, which is why we have said we will introduce legislation before the end of this year,’’ he said.

Mr Albanese said that social media companies needed to show some social responsibility.

“We need to act as a society. When my son was young this was an issue more than a decade ago,” he said.

‘Enough is enough’ on lack of action over social media giants

The Prime Minister declared “enough is enough” this week it was announced the government would bring in on age limits for social media accounts for kids to protect against the damage caused by social media giants including Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.

Mr Albanese will formally announce a fast-tracked ban before the next election, which is due to be held in the first half of 2025, although the age limits and the start date have yet to be finalised. The question of how to tackle younger teenagers who already have Snapchat and Instagram accounts is yet to be determined.

South Australia has proposed an outright ban for kids under 13 and parental consent between the ages of 14 and 15. Rolling out that option across the country is under consideration.

However, the Prime Minister will not stipulate an age limit for now as investigations and trials continue and negotiations commence with social media companies.

“We know that technology moves fast. No Government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat – but we have to do all we can,’’ the Prime Minister said.

South Australia proposed an outright ban for kids under 13 and parental consent for ages 14-15. Picture: Getty Images

“Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map – no generation has faced this challenge before.

The proposal is likely to secure bipartisan support, with Liberal leader Peter Dutton also backing a ban as concerns mount that some social media companies are being misused by criminals to sell vapes and drugs to children.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to implement age restrictions on social media, with a preferred limit between 14 and 16. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

The changes would see Australia join France and Europe in trialling a social media ban amid rising concerns about the impact on teenagers’ mental health.

SA plan to limit access 

South Australian Peter Malinauskas, who led the charge to introduce the bans, said that, as a father of four, he was deeply concerned about the impact of social media on vulnerable teenagers.

“This is a problem that demands swift and decisive leadership, and I thank the Prime Minister for demonstrating it,’’ the SA Premier said.

“The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm.

“This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol. When a product or service hurts children, governments must act.”