Albanese Govt playing catch-up on social media, still can't explain age limit policy
In June, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced that a Coalition Government would raise the age of social media access to 16.
HON DAVID COLEMAN MP
Shadow Minister for Communications
In June, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced that a Coalition Government would raise the age of social media access to 16.
Mr Dutton also committed to introducing legislation to give effect to this within 100 days of taking office. The legislation would include an obligation on social media companies to use age verification technology.
The Coalition made this commitment because of the serious harm that social media is doing to our children. The status quo, where social media companies have no obligation to even try to stop underage users from accessing their products, is unacceptable.
The Prime Minister has now said that the Government will legislate to set an age limit for children accessing social media.
But remarkably, the Prime Minister can’t actually say what the age limit will be. It’s obvious that this announcement has been made on the run in response to the ongoing pressure on this issue.
After months of inaction on this totemic issue for Australian families, Mr Albanese realises that he needs to be seen to be acting.
The Government is playing catch-up – and everyone knows it.
This has all the hallmarks of a rushed and half-baked announcement.
The Government has been weak and indecisive on this issue from the start.
That’s in contrast to the Coalition which has taken a strong stand to protect Australian children from social media.
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