Why Tasmania wants social media ban age dropped to 14
The state’s Deputy Premier says the minimum age for a nationally agreed social media ban ought to be 14 rather than 16. Here’s why.
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Tasmania’s position on a nationally mandated social media ban has been revealed today after national cabinet agreed to impose a ban on social media for people under the age of 16.
On Friday, all six Australian states and two territories endorsed the Albanese government’s social media ban plan, which will likely come into effect next year or 12 months after the legislation is passed through parliament.
The Tasmanian government wants a nationally consistent response to the issue, however has raised concerns to the minimum age and that the proposed legislation hasn’t been released.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said Tasmania considered a minimum age of 14 would better balance the need to minimise potential harm while managing unintended consequences of removing social media access.
“If the minimum age of 16 is proposed by the Commonwealth, it is essential that grandfathering arrangements are implemented for young people that will lose access for a period of time under the proposed legislation,” the Deputy Premier said.
“It is also essential that the legislation is reviewed within two years to ensure the minimum age is in fact delivering the desired results, and also to consider any unintended consequences that may have arisen from the legislation.
“At national cabinet, we made it clear that Tasmania has concerns the Federal Government’s proposal could have unintended consequences particularly for regional communities.
“Tasmania has a highly dispersed population, and social media can provide an important and positive tool for learning, engaging with peers and maintaining social connection.
“Our young people have told us that if opportunities to connect online are removed, they would need to be replaced by face-to-face offerings, particularly in remote and regional areas (for example transport, community programs and activities and sport).
“Social media also provides linkages to critical health and wellbeing information and support services.
He said it wasn’t clear how the proposed legislation would account for the positive impacts of social media or how children and young people would be supported in the absence of access to these tools.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed further details into the proposed social media ban on Thursday, confirming Australian children under 16 would not be able to access social media even if they have parental permission.
Under Labor’s plan the onus would be on social media platforms to show they are taking reasonable steps to ensure underage people were not using their services, with no enforcement obligations or penalties on parents or other individuals.
On Thursday, he also said there would be no grandfathering arrangements allowing underage users who already have a social media accounts to retain them.
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