Australia Enforces a Prohibition on Under-16s Using Social Media; U.S. Legislators Encouraged to Follow Suit

This week marks the commencement of a new regulation in Australia that disallows children under 16 from signing up for social media services. This action is part of a worldwide push to shield the youth from the adverse impacts these platforms can have.

In America, certain senators are advocating for similar measures to be implemented. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii expressed his support for such initiatives, emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to adopt analogous legislation.

With the regulation, approved initially in 2024, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others must develop strategies to prevent minors in Australia from registering accounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed the responsibility social media companies carry towards the safety of children, insisting that they must adhere to this new law or face significant financial penalties.

Norway and Denmark are considering similar legislative proposals, aiming to limit access to social media for those under 15, while Malaysia plans its own restrictions by 2026.

Recent studies indicate that social media usage can significantly affect children's mental well-being, potentially leading to depression and anxiety.

The World Health Organization's study in 2024 revealed that approximately 11% of young adolescents across 44 regions encountered problematic usage patterns with social media.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy likened social media's allure to tobacco, suggesting that warning labels might be warranted to address the escalating mental health concerns.

Prime Minister Albanese believes the changes will facilitate necessary conversations between parents and children regarding the potential risks of social media usage.

Introduction of the Kids Off Social Media Act in the U.S.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation proposed the Kids Off Social Media Act. Although introduced previously, advancing the legislation remains critical.

The act aims to restrict social media companies from permitting account creation by anyone under 13 and bars the use of targeting algorithms for those below 17. The bill has bipartisan backing.

Senator Katie Britt criticized Congress for lack of action, emphasizing the necessity of curbing Big Tech's influence to protect children.

The bill will undergo discussions in the Senate before a potential vote, and if passed, it will require approval from both Congress and the President.

Meanwhile, various American states have initiated legal challenges against major social media firms like Meta, claiming these companies have designed features detrimental to youth.

A recent lawsuit by New York City accuses companies like Meta and ByteDance of contributing to a mental health crisis among young individuals.

Some states have enacted school-wide cellphone bans and require age checks plus parental permission for social media access among teenagers.

Senator Schatz, in discussing the necessity of these measures, questioned why very young children would need access to platforms like Instagram or TikTok without stringent regulations.