The Australian government has taken an important decision and has included YouTube in the list of social media platforms banned for children under the age of 16. Earlier YouTube was exempted from this rule, but now it has been abolished. However, YouTube Kids will remain free from this ban.
This new rule will come into effect from December 10, 2024. Australia already has a ban on the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X for children under the age of 16.
Communications Minister Annika Wells explained that the decision was based on the recommendations of the e-Safety Commissioner. She mentioned that according to a study, 4 out of every 10 Australian children have reported harmful experiences while using YouTube. Wells also said that the government will not succumb to pressure from social media companies, giving importance to the preferences of parents.
According to the guidelines issued by the government, if children below the age of 16 are found to have a YouTube account or subscribe to any social media account, legal action will be taken. Children will only be able to use YouTube Kids, where the content is safe for them and they cannot upload videos themselves.
It is noteworthy that Australia became the first country in the world to pass a bill banning social media for children under the age of 16 in November last year. This bill was supported by both the ruling party and the opposition. This step has been taken to ensure the online safety of children and it can serve as a model for other countries.