Australia joins the list of countries that want to limit the consequences of smartphone and social media use on the physical and mental health of children. According to what was reported by Cnnin fact, the country is thinking of introducing a minimum age threshold for using the platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, however, has not yet been clear on the details of the measure, although it would appear that the limit can be set between 14 and 16 years.
“I want kids to get away from their devices and go play soccer, the pool and the tennis courts – Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. – We want them to have real experiences with real people, because we know that social media causes social harm.” If Albanese were to keep his promise, and the restriction came into force, Australia would be among the first countries in the world to impose an age limit for access to social media. Previous attempts, including in Europe, have been made, but without any success, given the numerous complaints about the violation of digital rights of minors.
Beyond this, Albanese’s decision could prove to be quite detrimental for the platforms, considering that Australia boasts one of the most active online populations in the worldwith four-fifths of its 26 million people using social media – according to a 2023 University of Sydney study, and three-quarters of Australians aged 12 to 17 have used YouTube or Instagram at least once. But the issue could be much more complex. A parliamentary inquiry, which analysed the negative effects of social media, has highlighted the risk of an age restriction, which could push minors to hide their online activitythus further undermining their safety.
”This impulsive move… risks creating serious harm by excluding young people from meaningful and healthy participation in the digital world, potentially pushing them into lower-quality online spaces.“, said Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. It’s an old story: what is forbidden attracts our attention the most. And this could represent a great risk for children and adolescents.