"Enough is Enough": PM Announces Nationwide Social Media Ban for Kids

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has drawn a line in the sand, declaring "enough is enough" as he moves to introduce a nationwide age-based ban on social media accounts for children.

P24 News Media

September 09, 2024

1 minute

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"Enough is Enough": PM Announces Nationwide Social Media Ban for Kids

Australia

Albanese Takes Bold Step to Protect Children from Social Media Harm

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has drawn a line in the sand, declaring "enough is enough" as he moves to introduce a nationwide age-based ban on social media accounts for children. Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are all in the crosshairs as the government takes urgent steps to shield kids from the growing dangers of social media.

A Nationwide Solution for an Unprecedented Problem

Albanese acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the challenge, stating, “No generation has faced this challenge before. Parents are working without a map, and we need to step in to provide them with real solutions.” With social media giants under fire for allowing harmful content and criminal misuse, such as selling drugs and vapes to children, this ban is part of a larger effort to bring social media companies to account.

Bipartisan Support Expected as Government Acts Swiftly

The Prime Minister is set to introduce legislation enforcing minimum age limits for social media, with bipartisan support expected from opposition leader Peter Dutton. The rising concern about social media's impact on teenage mental health has pushed the issue to the forefront, aligning Australia with other countries like France that are also trialing similar bans.

A Response to Growing Parental Concerns

With parents increasingly worried about their children’s exposure to harmful online environments, Albanese assured families that the government has their back. “Too often, social media takes kids away from real friendships and experiences. Australian young people deserve better,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Swift and Decisive Action on Social Media Use

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who spearheaded the state-level push for these reforms, said, “This is a problem that demands swift and decisive leadership. Social media is no different from cigarettes or alcohol when it harms children.”

Australia Leads the Charge in Protecting Children

As the government pushes forward with these reforms, it’s clear that social media’s grip on the youth will face unprecedented challenges. With bipartisan support and national focus, Australia is set to lead the charge in protecting children from the adverse effects of addictive digital platforms.