The Northern Territory Government has supported the introduction of national reforms that restrict social media access for children under 16, helping to reduce online harm, strengthen digital safety, and let kids be kids again.
The Federal Government reforms, implemented under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, were led through National Cabinet, with all State and Territory leaders agreeing to a national approach that places higher safety requirements on platforms rather than parents and children.
From Wednesday the 10th of December, age-restricted platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. This shift places responsibility on social media companies to enforce age rules and reduce exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, bullying, harassment and other risks that can escalate quickly on social media.
These reforms will not affect the delivery of education in NT Government Schools. The Territory's existing Student Mobile Phones in Government Schools Policy will continue, with the Minister for Education and Training ready to double down on the no phones in schools policy.
"This change does not affect how education is delivered in our schools, and I will be making sure our no phones in school policy continues to apply in all NT government schools.
"Kids need to be kids again, hopefully the social media ban will get more young Territorians moving, whether that be seeing their friends face-to-face at the shops, going fishing or swimming together, and in touch with their families - how it was when I grew up in Australia."
Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality, Jinson Charls said we know social media can be an important way to connect but also carries risks if young people are exposed too early or without the right supports.
"These new laws help protect Territory kids while they grow, learn and enjoy being young."
To mark the introduction of the reforms, Parliament House will be lit in green and gold from 7:30pm to 9:30pm this evening, recognising national commitment to safer online environments for children.
