Australia cracks down: Social media ban for kids in the works

Australia is set to make waves with a bold plan to keep kids off social media, citing concerns for their mental and physical wellbeing. In a sweeping move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government’s intention to introduce legislation that would restrict children’s access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok by the end of the year.

“I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts. We want them to have real experiences with real people.”

The Australian PM added that the growing evidence of social media causing social harm, particularly through cyberbullying, has prompted the government’s action.

Although the exact age limits for the ban have yet to be confirmed, Albanese hinted that they were considering the range between 14 and 16.

Australia’s eSafety regulator has already been pushing tech firms to take tougher measures to protect children online. Just last July, the regulator demanded an enforceable code from Internet companies to prevent kids from accessing pornography and other harmful content. Failure to comply could result in the government imposing its own stringent rules.

“This is a global issue that governments around the globe are trying to deal with. We know it’s not simple and it’s not easy, otherwise, governments would have responded before.”

Australia’s ambitious move places it among a growing list of countries looking to curb social media use among minors, with concerns about its long-term effects on young minds reaching a boiling point, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, criticism erupted on social media after a Thai man was seen taking photos with his car on a deserted expressway.

The incident raised questions about the legality of such actions, with netizens speculating it might be the Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi route. Relevant officials are being urged to investigate the matter. Many social media users are questioning whether this behaviour is permissible, given the road appears to not have yet been opened to the public.