In an announcement aimed at “mums and dads”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would back the national ban, which would come into effect 12 months after being passed.
The prime minister, however, confirmed there would be “no penalties for users” if the proposed legislation is introduced.
“Social media is causing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese said today, noting he knows Australian parents are “worried sick” about the impact of social media use.
“I want parents to be able to say, ‘Sorry mate, it’s against the law for me to let you do this.'”
The proposed changes would mean social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram would shoulder the responsibility of enforcing the age limit.
Albanese said the federal government would expect social media companies to prove they are “taking reasonable steps to prevent access”.
The legislation, if passed, would not include grandfathering clauses which means young people under 16 already would not be exempt from the ban.
It also won’t allow underage children to sign up, even with parental consent.
“We don’t argue that the changes that we will be legislating will fix everything immediately,” Albanese added.
“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 the parameters for our society and they assist in ensuring the right outcomes.”
Australian states and territories will be asked to support the policy at a special national cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The Coalition also supports a national age cut-off on social media.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said social media companies would be hit with penalties if they do not co-operate with the ban.
The eSafety commissioner will be tasked with enforcing the rule.
