Research released today shows Australians strongly support the Albanese Government's world leading age restrictions on social media for under 16s.
The Age Assurance Consumer Research Report outlines the findings from surveys conducted by the Social Research Centre of nearly 4,000 Australians across a wide range of issues, including how they consume content, attitudes to age assurance, privacy preferences and technical implementation.
The research reveals a robust evidence case for the Albanese Government's minimum age on social media mandate with nearly 9 in 10 Australians backing the use of age assurance technology to restrict children's access to harmful online content.
This is unsurprising, given nearly half of all young people aged 8-17 had been exposed to inappropriate content and expressed safety concerns with content on their feeds.
Further, more than half of all young people are worried that they spend too much time on social media and more than 46% are worried about getting addicted to social media.
The Government last year passed legislation to establish a minimum age of 16 to access social media, a significant step towards protecting young Australians from online harms.
The legislated social media minimum age will come into effect by December 2025, with the Government working closely with industry, relevant agencies and community organisations ahead of its implementation.
Minister Wells has written to the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant seeking her advice on the draft Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"This research shows Australians widely support our world-leading age restrictions on social media for under 16s and have strong expectations of platforms when it comes to data protection and security.
"While some of the findings around the risk of harm for children on social media are alarming, it's positive to see Australian children support age assurance practices.
"The research also highlights social media companies must work harder to build trust in their data management practices.
"Our Government knows social media age-restrictions will not be the end-all be-all solution for harms experienced by young people online but they will make a significant impact."
"Social media companies have a social responsibility and the safety of young Australians is our priority."
