60 Minutes Transcript: Australia's under-16 social media ban
Summary
Australia has made social media platforms take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts, with penalties for companies that fail to comply. The report says it is too early to know whether the law is working, while noting that other countries may consider similar rules.Key Facts
- Australia became the first country to require many social media platforms to keep children under 16 from having accounts.
- The law puts responsibility on covered platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from opening or holding accounts.
- Platforms must check users’ ages and may face penalties for failing to comply.
- The report demonstrated that Snapchat and TikTok blocked an account attempt by Oscar Groves, who was just shy of 16.
- South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas first proposed a state-level ban after his wife, Annabel West, raised concerns about teenagers’ social media use.
- Australia’s national government followed the South Australian proposal, and the measure received bipartisan support.
- A U.S. Surgeon General advisory cited in the report said more than three hours of social media use a day can double children’s risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
- Malinauskas said children would find ways around the restrictions and did not describe the law as a complete solution.
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