Media release – Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, 8 November 2024

National Cabinet agrees to age limit for social media access

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.

First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.

Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.

This move builds on National Cabinet’s work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content.

It will also assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

The Commonwealth intends to introduce legislation to Federal Parliament before the end of the year. The legislation will come into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Media release – Guy Barnett, Deputy Premier, 8 November 2024

Social media ban

The Tasmanian Government strongly supports measures that reduce harm to children and young people caused by social media.

Today, National Cabinet agreed to impose a ban on social media for people under the age of 16.

Any response to these issues should be nationally consistent, however the Tasmanian Government noted its concerns in relation to the minimum age and the fact that the proposed legislation has still not been released.

At the age of 14, our young people are preparing to enter the workforce, and by age 16, young people are legally able to drive, open a bank account and get their own Medicare card.

Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett, said that Tasmania considers a minimum age of 14 would better balance the need to minimise the potential harm to young people, while managing unintended consequences of removing social media access – particularly given the positive impact social media can have for learning and social connection in regional communities.

“If the minimum age of 16 is proposed by the Commonwealth, it is essential that grandfathering arrangements are implemented for young people that will lose access for a period of time under the proposed legislation,” the Deputy Premier said.

“It is also essential that the legislation is reviewed within two years to ensure the minimum age is in fact delivering the desired results, and also to consider any unintended consequences that may have arisen from the legislation.

“At National Cabinet, we made it clear that Tasmania has concerns the Federal Government’s proposal could have unintended consequences particularly for regional communities.

“Tasmania has a highly dispersed population, and social media can provide an important and positive tool for learning, engaging with peers and maintaining social connection.

“Our young people have told us that if opportunities to connect online are removed, they would need to be replaced by face-to-face offerings, particularly in remote and regional areas (for example transport, community programs and activities and sport).

“Social media also provides linkages to critical health and wellbeing information and support services.

“It is not clear how the proposed legislation will account for the positive impacts of social media or how children and young people will be supported in the absence of access to these tools.”

Tasmania calls on the Federal Government to review funding requirements to provide additional supports for young people in relation to education, mental health, relationships and personal safety, particularly for isolated young people in remote and regional locations and marginalised young people.