Australia to Set Social Media Minimum Age Between 14-16 Years

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hopes to see young people playing outside instead of spending time on screens, though not everyone agrees with this idea. What are your thoughts?

A Proposal to Limit Social Media Use Among Youth

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sparked a heated debate with his call for young people to engage more with the real world rather than their screens.

He has proposed legislation to set the minimum age for social media use between 14 and 16 years old.

A Societal Concern

Labeling social media as a “scourge” for youth, Albanese said: “I want to see kids away from screens and out playing soccer, swimming, or on tennis courts.” He emphasized the importance of “real experiences with real people,” arguing that social media has detrimental effects on society.

Support from the Opposition, but Criticism from Experts

The proposal won backing from conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton but faced sharp criticism from experts. Daniel Angus, a professor at Queensland University of Technology, called the government’s plan “reckless” and “ill-considered.”

He expressed concerns that the law could prevent young people from beneficial digital engagements and push them towards lower-quality online spaces.

Similar Proposals Abroad

In France and the United States, similar measures are under consideration. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested banning mobile phones “before age 11” and social media “before age 15.”

In the U.S., a bill has been introduced to set the minimum social media age at 13, though it has not yet been scheduled for review.