Starting this Wednesday, children under the age of 16 will be banned from having social media accounts.
This will be one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced. It is profound reform which will be a source of national pride in years to come.
The onus will be on social media companies to ensure no child under 16 is on their platforms. If they have not taken reasonable steps to remove them they will have broken Australian law and be subject to substantial fines. Social media companies have a social responsibility. That responsibility starts with the protection of Australian children.
This is a world-leading move by Australia and it is a change driven, overwhelmingly, by Australian parents. As Prime Minister, I’ve had the sombre experience of meeting with mums and dads who have seen their child’s wellbeing crushed by the worst of social media, many living with the devastating pain of losing a child. Yet these extraordinary Australians have found courage and selflessness to channel their grief into advocating for this reform because they are determined to do everything they can to spare other families the suffering they have known.
We’re doing this for those parents – and for every parent. Because this law is about making it easier for you to have a conversation with your child about the risks and harms of engaging online. It’s also about helping parents push back against peer pressure. You don’t have to worry that by stopping your child using social media, you’re somehow making them the odd one out. Now, instead of trying to set a “family rule”, you can point to a national ban.
The eSafety Commissioner will begin collecting the data from platforms to check how many under 16s are on, and off, and this information will be made public.
From the beginning, we’ve acknowledged this process won’t be 100 per cent perfect.
But the message this law sends will be 100 per cent clear. For example, Australia sets the legal drinking age at 18 because our society recognises the benefits to the individual and the community of such an approach. The fact that teenagers occasionally find a way to have a drink doesn’t diminish the value of having a clear, national standard.
Our social media ban is about providing greater peace of mind for Australian parents. It’s also about making sure that Australian children have a childhood.
This will be a significant change, and change can be difficult, but Australians work best when we work together. It was parents who worked together to make this reform a reality, it will be all Australians working together to make this a moment of national pride.
From December 10, Australian kids will have more time to be kids and Australian parents will have greater peace of mind. The courage of all those parents who have fought for this ban will change lives – and it will save lives.
Originally published as Social media firms face huge fines under new Australian ban (News.com.au).