(NewsNation) — Parents say keeping tabs on their kids has never been more challenging.
That’s why Australia’s prime minister is proposing what he calls a world-leading plan to protect future generations by implementing a social media ban for all children younger than 16 years old.
“I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. And I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back.”
The proposal’s details haven’t been ironed out but officials say it will include an age verification process.
“The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese said.
The proposed bill would affect social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
However, the proposal is receiving pushback.
Last month, more than 140 Australian and international experts signed an open letter to the Australian prime minister expressing their concerns and saying the “ban” is too blunt.
The concern about children’s safety isn’t exclusive to Australia.
Some parents in the United States also say something needs to be done about social media.
“I think what kids need is collective action, which is to say, if everybody’s off it, then it’s not nearly as bad as when one parent says you can’t be on it,” said Amy Julia Becker, mother of three teenagers. “So there’s some positive for kids in whatever happens for everybody being for them. So that’s where I think the idea of a ban is positive.”
NewsNation reached out to the social media companies that would be affected but only heard back from Facebook’s parent comapny Meta.
“We share the intent and goals of the Australian government in providing safe and age-appropriate online experiences for teens,” a company spokesperson said.