<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332583</docID> <postdate>2024-11-07 11:28:45</postdate> <headline>We’re calling time’: minimum social media age limit</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-315191" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-olly-3795309-e1716089289912.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I'm calling time on it," Anthony Albanese said. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Tess Ikonomou</strong>Â in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Australia will move to ban social media for children aged under 16, with the prime minister declaring he was "calling time" on the harm caused to young people.</strong></p> <p>Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday the government had agreed on Monday to introduce a minimum age for social media access.</p> <p>"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I'm calling time on it," he said.</p> <p>The prime minister said the proposal would go to a virtual meeting of the nation's leaders on Friday.</p> <p>"The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access," he said.</p> <p>"The onus won't be on parents or young people. There will be no penalties for users."</p> <p>He said the eSafety Commissioner will provide oversight and enforcement, with the legislation to kick in 12 months after it passes parliament.</p> <p>Communications Minister Michelle Rowland described the proposed laws as world leading.</p> <p>"At arriving at this age, the government has taken a pragmatic approach," she said.</p> <p>"What our approach does is helps to achieve a balance between minimising those harms that are caused by young people accessing social media, while still enabling connection and inclusion."</p> <p>The government will introduce privacy protections for information collected for age assurance purposes.</p> </body>