Anthony Albanese said that it’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.
Canberra:
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, announced plans to introduce legislation setting a minimum age for social media use in order to enhance child safety.
Albanese emphasized the importance of supporting parents and ensuring the safety of children in the digital age.
In a recent tweet, he stated, “We’ll legislate a minimum age for social media to keep children safe.”
We’ll legislate a minimum age for social media to keep children safe.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 9, 2024
Albanese further explained, “Parents express concerns about determining the appropriate age for their children to engage in social media. We will introduce legislation during this parliamentary term to enforce a minimum age requirement for social media and other digital platforms. Our goal is to support parents and safeguard children.”
Parents tell me they’re worried about what age their kids should be on social media.
We’ll introduce legislation in this term of Parliament to enforce a minimum age for social media and other digital platforms.
It’s about supporting parents and keeping kids safe.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 9, 2024
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, mental health concerns ranked as the top health issue for children and adolescents among more than half of parents. This underscores the growing importance of addressing mental health issues alongside technology-related challenges.
Parents’ worries now extend beyond physical health concerns to include mental health, social media usage, and screen time as key factors influencing children’s well-being. These concerns have surpassed traditional issues like childhood obesity, reflecting the evolving landscape of children’s health priorities.
Dr. Susan Woolford, co-director of the Mott Poll and pediatrician, noted, “The increasing use of digital devices and social media among children at younger ages poses challenges for parents in monitoring and mitigating potential negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, and overall well-being.”
According to a nationwide poll, two-thirds of parents express apprehension about their children’s excessive screen time and social media usage, highlighting the need for effective strategies to manage these digital influences.
(The content of this article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been altered by NDTV staff, except for the title.)
