Canberra, September 10: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday announced a plan to ban children from using social media. The Prime Minister stated that the government will introduce legislation in 2024 to enforce a minimum age for access to social media and other relevant digital platforms, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences," he said in a statement. He said that the legislation would be informed by engagement with the states and territories, but his preference is to set the minimum age at 16 years. What Is Right To Disconnect Law? Know All About Australia’s Fair Work Amendment Act That Allows Employees To Ignore Work Calls After Working Hours.

Concern About Social Media Impact on Children 

According to a poll conducted by state broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in August, 61 per cent of Australians supported restricting social media access to those younger than 17. Government Bringing Laws, Taking Steps To Make Social Media Platforms Accountable, Says IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

At the same time, Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, commissioned former federal judge Robert French to explore legal pathways to ban children younger than 14 from social media. The prime minister said that the federal government would consider Robert French's review when drafting the legislation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2024 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).