Anthony Albanese’s government plans to pass laws that will ban social media for under-16s

Children under the age of 16 will be banned from social media as the federal parliament is set to enact world-first legislation.

The Senate is expected to pass legislation on Thursday that would ban young people from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with the bill receiving bipartisan support.

However, there are concerns that the proposal has passed through parliament without proper scrutiny, as Australia would be the first country to introduce such a ban.

The ban would come into effect a year after the laws are passed by Parliament, with trials of age verification technology continuing to be carried out.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would keep children safe online.

“We know that parents are concerned about the harm to children and we have decided to support them,” she told parliament.

“Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanian government is delivering just that.”

An inquiry into the laws lasted just three hours, with people given just one day to submit their views, while critics said there was a lack of consultation with young people themselves.

The ban, which prevents children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, would come into effect a year after the laws are passed by parliament.

Minister Michelle Rowland has defended the laws, saying the Government supports parents

Suicide Prevention Australia executive director Christopher Stone said the laws were rushed and would not address the problems of bullying and predation as the government had claimed.

“The government is hitting a wall blindfolded by rushing this legislation,” he said.

“It has bypassed the rigorous consultation and scrutiny required for such a far-reaching decision.

“Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not hasty decisions.

‘This legislation fails to take into account the positive aspects of social media in supporting young people’s mental health and sense of belonging.’

While the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support, several Coalition members have broken ranks over the issues over concerns that a ban on social media would be an unwarranted restriction on speech and communication and pave the way for broader censorship.

Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor to vote against the ban in the House of Representatives, while Senator Matt Canavan also criticized the laws.