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Underage social media users show large Australian breaches
A regulatory report reveals that over 1 million underage users on major social media platforms in Australia violate age restrictions, with around 80% of children aged 8-12 using these platforms. The report criticizes the companies for ineffective controls and highlights the upcoming legislation that will raise the minimum user age to 16 by December.
Key points
- More than 1 million children under 13 are found using social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat.
- Approximately 80% of Australian children aged 8-12 used at least one social media platform in 2024.
- The eSafety Commissioner’s report indicates a failure of companies to enforce their own age restrictions effectively.
- The upcoming legislation will raise the minimum age for social media users to 16, indicating a major policy change.
- The findings push for improved safety standards and practices to protect children from harmful online content.
Why it matters
- The issue reflects global concerns about child safety online, echoing initiatives in other countries to tighten regulations on social media platforms.
- Similar trends can be seen with rising legislative action in 2025 aimed at enhancing digital safety and accountability among tech companies.
- The situation highlights ongoing discussions about data privacy, user verification methods, and the responsibilities of tech platforms toward minors.
The report underscores a significant gap in age verification and responsible platform management, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to protect underage users ahead of new legislation in Australia.