The Australian government is planning to introduce legislation that would prevent children under the age of 16 from using social media.
On Thursday, Nov. 7, prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the “world-leading” legislation during a news conference, shared in full by Australia’s ABC News. According to Albanese, it would feature an age limit of 16 for kids to use social media platforms, with government officials saying it would apply to platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).
The legislation will be introduced in Parliament during its last two weeks in session this year, which begins on Nov. 18. The age limit would come into effect 12 months after the law is passed and it will be reviewed following its commencement.
“This one’s for the mums and dads,” Albanese said as he announced the legislation. “Social media is doing harm to our kids And I’m calling time on …