LONDON: The Australian government announced Tuesday it is considering banning children from using social media, in a move aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content.

The legislation, expected to pass by the end of the year, has yet to determine the exact age limit, though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested it could be between 14 and 16 years.

“I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields and the swimming pools and the tennis courts,” Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

“We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media is causing social harm,” he added, calling the impact a “scourge.”

Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan, have recently taken action against social media platforms, citing concerns over addictive behavior, bullying, gambling, and cybercrime.

Introducing this legislation has been a key priority for the current Australian government. Albanese highlighted the need for a reliable age verification system before a final decision is made.

The proposal has sparked debate, with digital rights advocates warning that such restrictions might push younger users toward more dangerous, hidden online activity.

Experts voiced concerns during a Parliamentary hearing that the ban could inadvertently harm children by encouraging them to conceal their internet usage.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which currently enforces a self-imposed minimum age of 13, said it aims to empower young people to benefit from its platforms while providing parents with the necessary tools to support them, rather than “just cutting off access.”