Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that his government plans to ban children from using social media.
Albanese said his Labor government would introduce legislation this year on access to social media and other relevant digital platforms.
“We know that social media is harming society and taking children away from real friends and real experiences,” the prime minister said.
However, he did not provide more details about the age limit for children who will not be allowed to use social networks.
Albanese added that addressing this important social issue will ensure that Australian children are better protected from online harm and that parents and carers are supported.
“It also builds on the government’s work to address the harmful consequences of the Internet for young people,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
On Sunday, local media reported that the federal state of South Australia had prepared a new law that would force social media companies to ban children under the age of 14 from accessing their platforms or face fines.
The new law could also be applied in other states, reports ABC News.
