Australia plans to ban social media for children under 16

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday said his government would legislate to ban social media for children below 16.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Anthony told a presser.

"I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back," the Prime Minister added.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese | Photo courtesy: Anthony Albanese X handle

The legislation is expected to be brought to Parliament this year.

It will be effecting 12 months after the lawmakers ratify it.

The social media sites that will be impacted by the ban include Facebook and Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and YouTube, said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, CNN reports.

However, the social media users will be exempted if they have the consent of their parents.

'Too blunt an instrument'

One of the largest groups advocating child rights in Australia has slammed the proposed ban "too blunt an instrument".

Approved by over 100 academics and 20 civil society organisations, the Australian Child Rights Taskforce suggested Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister, imposition of "safety standards" for children on social media instead, BBC News reports.