The Tasmanian Government has backed a federal government plan to ban social media for kids under the age of 16.
Tasmania was the only state not completely in agreeance with the proposed plan at National Cabinet today, with Acting Premier Guy Barnett suggesting the age should be reduced to 14 years old.
Barnett said a minimum age of 14 would ‘better balance’ unintended consequences of removing social media access.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He said social media is an “important and positive tool” for learning and engaging with peers, particularly in rural and regional Tasmania.
“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.”
Barnett ended up agreeing to the federal plan because he ‘didn’t want to stand in the way of national uniformity’.
He has called on the federal government to “review funding requirements” to provide young people with additional supports for education, mental health, relationships and personal safety ahead of the ban coming into effect.
The legislation, which would cover platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, is set to be introduced to federal parliament in the next sitting fortnight.
Tech giants like Meta will be tasked with enforcing the age restrictions, which will likely take effect in the 12 months after the legislation is passed through parliament.
