Mainstream news sources, including the BBC, Sky and The Times have confirmed that the Australian Senate and the House of Representatives have passed a world-first law that bans under 16s from having social media accounts. This updates our TnP NewsFlash of November 19 (Australia plans social media ban for under 16s)
On the Toy Sector front, if this goes further and succeeds, both in Australia and beyond, then the increasing use of social media and, by extension, influencers etc to promote ranges and products could be a problem. Especially given the admirable and understandable commitment to, well, sensory, wellbeing, mental health and more across the industry (see our feature in the December issue of TnP).
The ban, which will not take effect for at least 12 months, could see tech companies fined up to 50 million Australian dollars (GBP 25m) if they don’t comply.
On the Toy Sector front, if this goes further and succeeds, both in Australia and beyond, then the increasing use of social media and, by extension, influencers etc to promote ranges and products could be a problem
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs.”
This is not the first attempt globally to restrict children’s social media use, but the minimum age of 16 is the highest set by any country. Unlike other attempts, it also does not include exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.
The legislation does not specify which platforms will be banned. Those decisions will be made later by Australia’s communications minister, who will seek advice from the eSafety Commissioner – an internet regulator that will enforce the rules.
Amy Friedlander, who was among those lobbying for the ban, recently said to the BBC: “For too long parents have had this impossible choice between giving in and getting their child an addictive device or seeing their child isolated and feeling left out”
It remains to be seen how successful the implementation of the law will be, given the deep-pocketed vested interests across the social media sector.
In the meantime, Australia’s legislation is being watched with great interest by legislators across the world.
