Premier Peter Malinauskas defends Australia’s world-first social media ban on American television

Premier Peter Malinauskas has faced the United States to defend Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s on CNN.

• What happens if you breach the ban
• Kids demand greater restrictions

The impact of Australia’s social media ban for children under 16-years-old has been felt across the world as Premier Peter Malinauskas booked a spot on prime time American television.

Mr Malinauskas, who originated the push to ban children from accessing social media sites such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram in May last year, was interviewed by CNN’s Jake Tapper on Thursday morning Adelaide time.

CNN’s Jake Tapper. Picture: Supplied

The Premier’s work on the ban, including commissioning a legal report from former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French, led to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing it would come into effect on December 10.

Mr Albanese credited News Corp Australia’s Let Them Be Kids campaign, highlighting the dangers of social media.

Speaking with Mr Tapper and author Jonathan Haidt, Mr Malinauskas defended the social media ban as he fielded questions from children across the world.

“There has been some worldwide support for the ban, as well as fierce criticism from those who claim that this won’t address the wider problem of cyber-bullying,” Mr Tapper said.

One Australian student wrote in to the program to express concern over teens losing access to online support networks when bullying is an issue offline.

“We’re not taking them off the internet,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“Do you really need an anonymous feed from a giant social media company in order to find information?

“They will now be more motivated to actually spend time with other kids, which is the best thing you can do for mental health right now.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas speaks to media with Education Minister Blair Boyer at a press conference ahead of Australia's world-leading social media age limits taking effect. Picture: Emma Brasier

Mr Tapper also quoted Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, which argued that the ban would make teens less safe by isolating them from online communities.

But Mr Malinauskas brushed the question aside as he said he expected Meta would not “endorse an imposition on their business model”.

“What I invite you and your viewers to think about, Jake, is what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen here by delaying kids’ access to social media?” he said.

“If you’re a 12-year-old, your mental abilities, your development of your brain isn’t yet at a point to be able to handle the service.”

Mr Malinauskas’ US media debut came as landmarks across the Adelaide CBD and the rest of the nation lit up green and gold on Wednesday night to recognise the social media ban that came into effect on December 10.

Landmarks like the Adelaide Oval, Parliament House, Adelaide Railway and even the Town Hall sported the vibrant Aussie colours of green and yellow as the sun slowly dipped into the darkness — marking a new chapter for young children and teenagers.

Adelaide Oval lit up in green and gold to mark the ban of social media for under 16s. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Adelaide Oval. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Adelaide Oval. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Adelaide Convention Centre. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Adelaide Convention Centre. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Adelaide Railway Station. Picture: Kelly Barnes

South Australia’s Parliament House lit up. Picture: Kelly Barnes

SA’s Parliament House. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Commuters and those passing by stopped to watch while the green-and-gold glow washed over the city.

Major buildings, landmarks and bridges, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in every state and territory were also sporting green and gold on Wednesday night

These social media laws, introduced as a world-first, aim to keep children safe online by prohibiting under-16s from accessing major online platforms.

The platforms include popular social sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick.

Countries around the world are watching closely as Australia takes the lead, with many preparing to adopt similar measures, a momentum largely driven by News Corp’s Let them Be Kids campaign.

Premier Peter Malinauskas was one of the first world leaders to take a stand against the harm being caused to children by social media, saying: “There is no more important duty for governments than protecting children from harm and South Australia is proud to have led the nation and the world in pursuing this reform to limit the damage addictive algorithms can do to developing minds.”

“The initiative to light up landmarks in Adelaide on Wednesday is a fitting one to demonstrate our shared resolve,” he said.

“I congratulate News Corp Australia for its leadership with the Let Them Be Kids campaign.”

While the nation ushers in a landmark chapter, with hopes of curbing online harm, cyber-bullying and addictive screen habits among young teenagers, it is only fitting that the city’s landmarks were illuminated in green and gold to commemorate the reform.

Originally published as Premier Peter Malinauskas defends Australia’s world-first social media ban on American television