Australia Implements Minimum Age for Social Media Use
Australia will legislate a minimum age for social media usage to ensure children's safety. Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, this move aims to support parents in regulating their children's online interactions. This follows research highlighting parental concerns about children's mental health and technology use.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to legislate a minimum age for social media usage to protect children.
Announced in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on September 9, 2024, Albanese emphasized the move is to support parents and keep kids safe.
He mentioned that parents are concerned about the appropriate age for their children's social media use.
The legislation will be introduced during the current parliamentary term.
The decision follows findings like those from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll that highlight mental health and screen time as top parental concerns.
Dr. Susan Woolford from the Mott Poll noted significant worries about the impact of technology on children's mental and physical health.