- Western Australia has intervened in a High Court challenge to Australia's new social media age-restrictions
- The Cook Government supports the legislation as a vital measure to protect young Australians
- WA has joined New South Wales and South Australia in backing the national ban
The Cook Government has intervened in the High Court challenge to Australia's new social media age-restrictions, with Western Australia joining New South Wales and South Australia in defending the legislation.
The national laws introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, requiring platforms to verify users' ages and implement stricter parental consent measures for younger users.
These reforms were passed to address growing concerns about the mental health impacts of social media on children and young teenagers, as well as to reduce exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.
WA's intervention was filed today with the High Court and reflects the government's strong commitment to safeguarding young people and supporting families.
The new Commonwealth reforms empower parents and will reduce risks associated with harmful online content.
Comments attributed to Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"This is groundbreaking national legislation to help safeguard young Australians from the impact and harm generated by social media.
"The Cook Government strongly supports the new national social media minimum age laws to better protect our young people.
"This legislation is a critical step toward creating safer online environments and ensuring national consistency in protecting children.
"We know this transition may be a challenging time for families with young teenagers who regularly using these apps, but I would implore Western Australian parents to support this important global-leading initiative, monitor what their children are doing and don't support them in finding ways to circumvent it."
