Australia to Ban Children from Using Social Media to Protect Mental Health

Australia plans to introduce legislation to restrict children's use of social media due to risks to physical and mental health. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to start an age verification trial. This move addresses concerns like cyber bullying and exposure to harmful content online.

Australia announced plans on Tuesday to introduce legislation this year aimed at banning children from using social media platforms, citing risks to both physical and mental health.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his centre-left government would begin an age verification trial within the next few months. 'I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts,' Albanese told national broadcaster ABC News. 'We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm.'

Expressing concern over cyber bullying's impact on children's mental health, as well as their exposure to inappropriate content, Albanese mentioned that Australia has asked internet firms to develop an enforceable code to protect children or face regulatory impositions. He also noted that multiple countries are grappling with similar challenges, with technology like VPNs complicating enforcement efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)