SYDNEY, NOV 7 – The Australian government plans to ban teenagers under the age of 16 from using social media, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today.
“Social media is harming our children, and I’m going to stop it… I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back… The government’s proposed age is 16.
“The decision was made in the Cabinet on Monday, and this proposal will be presented at the National Cabinet meeting that I will hold… tomorrow morning,” Albanese said, according to Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
The prime minister said if the proposal is approved, it will become law and will take effect 12 months after approval, adding that no fines will be imposed for violations.
He also said that a special security commissioner would be appointed to oversee the implementation of the law.
“The onus is on social media platform owners to demonstrate that they take reasonable steps to prevent access (by those under 16),” Albanese added.
In September, the prime minister said that the Australian government would pass legislation before the end of the year to set a minimum age limit for social media use to reduce its negative impact on children and teenagers.
At the time, the government was considering between 14 and 16 years. – Named
