MELBOURNE, Australia — On Thursday, the Australian government revealed groundbreaking legislation aimed at establishing an age threshold of 16 years for youth wanting to access social media platforms, while also making those platforms accountable for adhering to this rule.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the urgent need for such regulations, stating, “Social media is affecting our children negatively, and it is time to take a stand.”
This proposed legislation is set to be presented in Parliament during the last two weeks of its current session starting November 18. The age restriction is scheduled to be implemented 12 months after it is ratified, according to Albanese’s announcement to the media.
Popular platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will have that timeframe to devise methods to prevent access for Australian minors under 16. Albanese shared his concerns derived from conversations with numerous family members who are anxious about children’s online safety.

He stated, “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles, who share my deep worries regarding our kids’ safety on the internet.”
In the event of non-compliance with the age restriction, social media companies would face penalties, though children and their guardians would not be held responsible. Albanese clarified, “The responsibility lies with social media companies to prove they are taking adequate actions to prevent access. Parents and young individuals will not be the focus of this responsibility.”
Antigone Davis, the head of safety at Meta, which manages Facebook and Instagram, indicated that the company would comply with the governmental regulations regarding age limits. However, she stressed the need for a more in-depth dialogue regarding the implementation of protections, cautioning that failing to do so may not lead teens and parents to an improved situation.
Davis additionally suggested the introduction of stronger tools in app stores and operating systems to help parents manage their children’s app usage, viewing this as a straightforward and effective solution.
As of Thursday, X has not issued a comment regarding the legislation, and TikTok has refrained from making a statement.
An open letter condemning the proposed age restriction was signed by over 140 academics, both from Australia and internationally, who specialize in technology and child welfare, labeling it as too blunt an approach for effectively managing associated risks.
Jackie Hallan, a director at the youth mental health service ReachOut, expressed her disapproval of the proposed ban, noting that a significant portion of young Australians seeking mental health support do so via social media. Hallan stated, “We feel uneasy about the prohibition, as young individuals may circumvent it, potentially driving their behavior underground and hindering their support from parents or caregivers due to fear of repercussions.”
Child psychologist Philip Tam argued that a minimum age of 12 or 13 would have been a more feasible solution, voicing concerns that the social media issues may simply be pushed into hiding.
Australian National University lawyer Associate Prof. Faith Gordon warned that isolating children from social platforms could create tensions within families. Albanese acknowledged that there would be special exemptions for situations requiring continued access to educational services, but parental approval would not grant children under 16 the right to use social media.
Earlier this year, the Australian government initiated a trial focusing on age-restriction technologies. The eSafety Commissioner will be responsible for ensuring that platforms comply with the established guidelines derived from trial results.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland highlighted that the one-year preparatory period would allow practical implementation of the age limit. She also stated, “There needs to be stricter penalties to guarantee compliance.”
Rowland concluded by reaffirming that all companies operating in Australia, regardless of their country of origin, are required to follow Australian law or face appropriate consequences.