Australia Plans Age Limit for Social Media Use Amid Health Concerns

Australia is considering an age limit for social media to protect kids health. Some worry it could push kids to riskier online sites or hide their activities.

Australia is thinking about making a rule that sets a minimum age for kids to use social media. They’re worried about how social media affects kids’ health. This plan has caused a lot of debate, with some people saying it might push kids toward more dangerous online places.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will test a new way to check ages. This will help decide how old kids need to be to use social media. Although they haven’t set the exact age yet, it will probably be between 14 and 16 years old.

Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp, “I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts.” He believes social media can cause harm and wants kids to have real-life experiences with other people.

If this new rule passes, Australia would be one of the first countries to set an age limit. Other attempts, like those by the European Union, have not worked because people complained it took away online rights for kids.

Australia has a high rate of social media use. More than 80% of its 26 million people use social media. This new rule comes as Australia is studying how social media affects society. The study has heard stories about teenagers having poor mental health, which has made people more concerned.

Some experts are worried about the plan. They think setting an age limit might not work as expected. It could make younger kids hide their online activities and go to less safe websites.

The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s internet regulator, warned that restrictions might stop kids from getting important help. They could also push kids to use less safe online places. This warning is important because it raises concerns about whether the age limit might do more harm than good.

Daniel Angus, from the Queensland University of Technology, said the age limit could harm young people. He believes it might push kids away from safe platforms and lead them to riskier websites.

Jordy Kaufman, a psychology researcher at Swinburne University, agreed. He said that for teens who use social media to deal with their problems, a ban might make things worse. Less online interaction could be harmful for them.

A recent study from the University of Sydney found that 75% of Australians aged 12 to 17 use YouTube or Instagram. This shows how many young people use social media in Australia.