<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>330698</docID> <postdate>2024-10-11 09:27:24</postdate> <headline>No penalties for kids over social media age limit</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-318921" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-fauxels-3184435-resized-e1718597234605.jpg" alt="" width="899" height="600" /></p> <caption>The government is reviewing a minimum age of between 14 and 16 years to access social media.</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Dominic Giannini</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Social media companies will bear the responsibility to block childrens' access to their platforms as the communications minister mulls an appropriate age limit. </strong></p> <p>Michelle Rowland is reviewing a minimum age of between 14 and 16 years to access social media, with legislation to be introduced before the end of November.</p> <p>There won't be penalties for children or parents.</p> <p>"Instead, it will be incumbent on the platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place," an excerpt of the minister's planned speech to a social media summit on Friday reads.</p> <p>Exemptions for social media platforms that demonstrate a low risk of harm to children are being considered.</p> <p>"The aim is to create positive incentives for digital platforms to develop age-appropriate versions of their apps," Ms Rowland is expected to say.</p> <p>"We are conscious of the harmful features in the design of platforms that drive addictive behaviours.</p> <p>"This is why we will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish."</p> <p>She pointed to Meta introducing account restrictions for young people on Instagram.</p> <p>"So the platforms have the capacity to do more and they should be doing more," she told ABC TV ahead of her speech.</p> <p>A trial of age verification technology has shown technology giants can enforce age limits, she said.</p> <p>There will be a 12-month timeframe for the industry to adapt to any laws and changes brought in by the federal government.</p> <p>The NSW and South Australian governments are convening a two-day social media summit that started on Thursday.</p> </body>