The prime minister is promising to introduce laws to enforce age limits on social media and other digital platforms before the next election, after the premiers of South Australia and Victoria moved to introduce their own bans.
Social media use by young people has become a national crisis and discussion after numerous instances of suicide, sextortion, exposure to violence, pornography, drugs and other harmful content.
7NEWS understands premiers placed significant pressure on Anthony Albanese at last week’s National Cabinet, and the prime minister gave leaders an undertaking that he would proceed with the bill.
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Labor is currently trialling age assurance technology which will be used to enforce the social media age ban for children between 13 and 16 years old, and to prevent access to pornography for children under 18.
The Commonwealth is spending $6.5 million on the trial, with the tender process for the technology starting this week.
The prime minister says no government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat – but we have to do all we can.
“Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map – no generation has faced this challenge before,” Albanese said.
“My message to Australian parents is we’ve got your back. We’re listening and determined to act to get this right. Too often, there’s nothing social about social media – taking kids away from real friends and real experiences.
“Australian young people deserve better. I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids. The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount.
“Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field. So do I. We are taking this action because enough is enough.”
Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says the Albanese Government is taking the necessary action to identify solutions.
“Parents are looking for real solutions to what is a legitimate national concern about harmful online environments and addictive behaviour on social media for children,” Rowland said.
“We expect platforms and online services do their share – because we want to make sure Australian kids can use the internet in an age-appropriate way that supports their learning and lives in a positive way.
“The $6.5 million age assurance trial, which commenced from 1 July this year, will be an important input on this journey.”
The social media age ban legislation is expected to get bipartisan support after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for such a proposal earlier in the year.