The Australian government is scheduled to implement a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10. The government has stated that the objective of this policy is to protect children and teenagers from various online risks, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators.
Implementation Details
The measure targets individuals under 16 years of age, restricting their access to social media platforms. The Australian government officially announced that the ban is set to take effect on December 10.
Stated Rationale
The stated rationale behind the policy is to safeguard younger individuals from potential hazards encountered online. Government officials have cited concerns over:
- Cyberbullying
- Exposure to harmful content
- Online predators
Public and Media Response
Following the announcement and in anticipation of the ban, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) engaged in reporting and public surveys. The BBC documented the experiences of teenagers attempting to access their social media accounts after the proposed enactment period. Additionally, the BBC conducted:
- Public surveys in Sydney, interviewing young adults aged 18 to 20 to gather their opinions on the impending ban.
- Interviews in Toronto and Washington D.C. to ascertain public opinion regarding the potential introduction of similar age-restricted social media policies in Canada and the United States.