There are increased calls to introduce radical new measures that would implement age restrictions on social media use.
In May’s budget, the federal government announced a $6.5 million trial of age verification technology to crack down on child safety online.
The scheme would aim to reduce children’s exposure to age-inappropriate material.
But parents are pushing for a ban on social media use for children aged under 16, while the South Australian government has proposed a law requiring children aged 14 and 15 years old to have parental consent to have social media access.
Neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett from Mount Buller in Victoria, told Today significant impact on adolescent brain development occurs between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.
“Parents are really struggling in silence. They don’t think it’s happening to their children,” she said.
“The idea is that we need to start protecting childhood, and kids can’t do that. Only we can.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese again addressed the proposed measure at a press conference today.
He said the mental health impact of social media had devastating consequences for young people.
