The Alannah & Madeline Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement today that its proposed national legislation for social media access will put the onus on tech platforms – and crucially not push the responsibility back to parents.
This is a win for children and parents and represents a key pillar of the Foundation’s ongoing advocacy to ensure children’s safety online.
The proposed legislation also recognises that social media platforms must exercise social responsibility and ensure fundamental protections are in place for children and young people.
For too long, responsibility for managing online risk has been pushed back onto parents, teachers, and to children themselves – an unacceptable, unreasonable, and unfair approach.
We are pleased to see positive steps being made by the government to prioritise the safety of children online.
We look forward to reviewing the legislation in more detail, once it is released in full.
Our hope is that any adoption of age limits, and their associated assurance measures, prioritise children’s rights and adhere to the highest standard of safety, security, privacy, and accountability.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation will continue to advocate for the right of all children and young people to be safe in all places where they live, learn and play – including in online spaces.
Read more about children’s digital rights and our recommendations on social media age restrictions and online safety here.
