By Andrew Brown in Canberra

Federal ministers have written to parent groups and school principal peak bodies to outline details of its proposal to ban children under 16 from using social media.

As the federal government prepares to introduce legislation to parliament for the ban, Education Minister Jason Clare said the age limit would have benefits similar to efforts to ban mobile phones from classrooms.

Consultation over the ban would continue with principals and parent groups, said Mr Clare, arguing there would be education benefits to the proposal.

“As of this year, mobile phones have been banned in schools, and we are seeing the difference. There are less distractions in the classroom and more playing and social interaction in the playground,” he said.

“But when school finishes, students get their phones back and they’re back in that social media cesspit. That’s why setting a minimum age limit for social media is so important.”

Should the laws pass parliament, the ban would come into effect 12 months later.

The federal government says children would still be able to access online services for education and health.

The proposed ban would extend to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with YouTube also set to be included.

A social media ban would benefit students, Australian Government Primary Principals Association president Pat Murphy said.

“The use of social media sites by primary students is a constant concern for school principals and teachers with bullying being unregulated and prevalent, leading to widespread issues in communities which flows into schools,” he said.

“Primary educators are witnessing firsthand that social media creates distractions, impacts friendships and affects students’ sleep.

“Our students are facing unprecedented challenges with social media influencing their self-esteem, relationships and concentration in the classroom.”

Age verification and assurance technologies are being trialled for enforcement of the ban, with the testing due to finish in early 2025.

If implemented, Australia would be the first country to have an age ban on social media.