The Australian government is thinking about setting a minimum age, between 14 and 16, for using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the plan is to help parents keep children safe online. He shared this news on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Mr. Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday that they are considering a minimum age of 16 for social media, but they might also set it as low as 14. The government plans to introduce a law later this year and test ways to verify users' ages.
If Australia passes this law, it will be one of the first countries to stop younger children from using social media. For example, in Florida, children under 14 are already not allowed to use social media.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok currently say users must be at least 13 years old, but many children create accounts with false birthdates.
In Australia, many politicians agree that there should be age limits for social media. The opposition party even suggested a minimum age of 16 earlier this year. However, some experts believe the law might have negative effects. Daniel Angus, a digital media expert, said that banning certain platforms could push users to less safe social media. Toby Murray, a professor in Melbourne, said that social media helps young teens find friends and a community. Removing this might isolate teens, especially those in marginalized groups.
Despite these concerns, Mr. Albanese believes children will have better lives without too much screen time. He said, "I want kids off their devices and out playing sports."
Meta (the company that owns Instagram and Facebook) did not comment, and TikTok hasn’t responded yet.
In 2021, Australia also made big changes by passing a law that forced Google and Facebook to pay news publishers for their content.
Adapted from The Times
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What is the Australian government considering for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram?
- A) Banning them for all users
- B) Setting a minimum age for users
- C) Requiring payment to access them
- D) Making them free for children under 16
2. What is the purpose of the proposed minimum age for social media according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese?
- A) To increase social media usage
- B) To help children make more friends online
- C) To help parents keep children safe online
- D) To give children more homework
3. What is the current minimum age required to sign up for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok?
- A) 10 years old
- B) 12 years old
- C) 13 years old
- D) 15 years old
4. Which U.S. state has already set an age limit for social media users under 14?
- A) California
- B) New York
- C) Florida
- D) Texas
5. What does Daniel Angus, a digital media expert, believe about banning some social media platforms?
- A) It will make social media safer for teens
- B) It might push users to less safe platforms
- C) It will stop teens from using social media
- D) It will help teens find better communities
True/False Questions
1. The Australian government is considering setting a minimum age of between 14 and 16 for social media.
True / False
2. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok currently require users to be at least 18 years old.
True / False
3. Some experts think banning certain social media platforms could lead teens to less safe platforms.
True / False
4. Toby Murray believes that taking away social media could make it harder for marginalized teens to find communities.
True / False
5. Meta, the company that owns Instagram and Facebook, has openly supported the proposed law.
True / False
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