The Australian government wants to allow children and young people access to social media only from a certain minimum age. He is thinking of an age range between 14 and 16, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, without committing himself. A corresponding law is to be introduced in parliament this year. “This is a scourge,” said the Labor politician, according to media reports, about the effect of online networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Co. on children.
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Australia’s prime minister did not say how access would be technically verified. The government is currently testing various ways of checking the age of users. He wants children to have a childhood, the 61-year-old added. “We know that social media causes social harm and keeps children away from real friends and real experiences,” he added. “Parents want to see their children off the phone and on the football field – I do too.”
The safety and mental and physical health of young people must be the top priority. “Enough is enough,” he said. Social media and digital platforms must live up to their social responsibility.
According to reports, an example of the nationwide move is a similar initiative in the state of South Australia, where access to social networks will only be permitted from the age of 14. Parental permission will also be required for 14- and 15-year-olds.
Networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok must therefore take measures to prevent children from accessing them, said South Australia’s Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas, according to media reports. As with cigarettes and alcohol, the government must intervene if a product could harm children.
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