[Written Op-Ed Published by the
Government of Australia]
Starting this Wednesday, children under the age of
16 will be
banned from having social media accounts.
This will be one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has
faced. It is profound reform which will be a source of national pride in years
to come.
The onus will be on social media companies to ensure no child under 16 is on
their platforms. If they have not taken reasonable steps to remove them they
will have broken Australian law and be subject to substantial fines. Social
media companies have a social responsibility. That responsibility starts with
the protection of Australian children.
This is a world-leading move by Australia and it is a change driven,
overwhelmingly, by Australian parents. As Prime Minister, I’ve had the somber
experience of meeting with mums and dads who have seen their child’s wellbeing
crushed by the worst of social media, many living with the devastating pain of
losing a child. Yet these extraordinary Australians have found courage and
selflessness to channel their grief into advocating for this reform because they
are determined to do everything they can to spare other families the suffering
they have known.
We’re doing this for those parents -- and for every parent. Because this law is
about making it easier for you to have a conversation with your child about the
risks and harms of engaging online. It’s also about helping parents push back
against peer pressure. You don’t have to worry that by stopping your child using
social media, you’re somehow making them the odd one out. Now, instead of trying
to set a “family rule,” you can point to a national ban.
The eSafety
Commissioner will begin collecting the data from platforms to check
how many under 16s are on, and off, and this information will be made public.
From the beginning, we’ve acknowledged this process won’t be 100% perfect.
But the message this law sends will be 100% clear. For example, Australia sets
the legal drinking age at 18 because our society recognizes the benefits to the
individual and the community of such an approach. The fact that teenagers
occasionally find a way to have a drink doesn’t diminish the value of having a
clear, national standard.
Our social media ban is about providing greater peace of mind for Australian
parents. It’s also about making sure that Australian children have a childhood.
This will be a significant change, and change can be difficult, but Australians
work best when we work together. It was parents who worked together to make this
reform a reality, it will be all Australians working together to make this a
moment of national pride.
From December 10, Australian kids will have more time to be kids and Australian
parents will have greater peace of mind. The courage of all those parents who
have fought for this ban will change lives -- and it will save lives.
