‘Harm’: Albo takes action on social media

The Albanese government has unveiled “world-leading legislation” to ban social media for kids under 16, even if their parents say they can be online.

Anthony Albanese finally revealed the hotly anticipated age restriction for social platforms on Thursday, months after they announced trials.

The Prime Minister said the action was “for the mums and dads”.

“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

“I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles.

“They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. And I want Australian parents and families to know that government has your back.”

He acknowledged there would be challenges enforcing the ban, but said it was important to set a standard, like with other areas.

“We don’t argue that the changes that we will be legislating will fix everything immediately,” Mr Albanese said.

“We have laws such as people can’t buy alcohol if they’re under 18 and, from time to time, that can be broken.

“But those laws set what the parameters are for our society and they assist in ensuring the right outcomes.”

He said the age limit got the green light from his federal cabinet and would be put to the National Cabinet at a meeting on Friday morning, allowing state and territory leaders to get briefed on the proposal.

Mr Albanese said the “onus will be on social media platforms” to show they make “reasonable steps to prevent access” and not “on parents or young people.”

“There will be no penalties for users,” he said.

The eSafety Commissioner would be responsible for enforcing the legislation, which Mr Albanese said would be introduced when parliament sits next.

The proposal will likely get a warm welcome to parliament.

There has been broad bipartisan support for restricting minors’ access to social media for some time, with states and territories mulling their own bans.

The laws would come into force 12 months after passing.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said social media companies were consulted on the ban and that the one-year head start would allow for changes to be enacted “in a practical way.”

Ms Rowland said social media firms “have been put on notice” and welcomed moves by some platforms to boost safety measures “even in the absence of the legislation”.

But she warned that there “will be penalties” if they did not do more after the legislation was passed.

“Currently … the maximum fines are less than $1m, far less than would apply under consumer law, for example,” she said.

“We will ensure, given that we have an e-safety regulator, that they are resourced to undertake compliance, but it will be clear from the legislation that the onus will be on the platforms to comply.”