Australia will pass legislation prohibiting children under 16 from using social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday. With some of the strictest rules in the world, this proposed law, which is anticipated to be passed late next year, is a part of a historic effort to protect children online. 

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To stop minors from using social media, the government is testing an age-verification system. This system is an essential part of the more extensive set of policies. 

With strict guidelines, Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids under 16 establishes a new global standard. Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the dangers of excessive social media use on physical and emotional well-being. He specifically pointed to the adverse effects of body image representations on young girls and the impact of misogynistic content targeting young boys.

Albanese stated:

“I’m calling it quits on social media because it’s hurting our children. It can be a really trying moment for a 14-year-old child to get this stuff during a period of life transition and maturation, and we’re doing this by listening and then acting.”

Although other nations have committed to limiting children’s access to social media, Australia has one of the strictest policies. For the first time in any jurisdiction, the country is leading the way in enforcing age restrictions through the use of age verification techniques like biometrics and official identity. 

The high age limit, absence of exemptions for parental approval, and application to existing accounts make Australia’s regulation distinctive as well. 

The opposition Liberal Party has backed the law, which will go into force a year after it is approved by parliament. Prime Minister Albanese stressed that children with existing accounts or parental approval will not be exempted.