SA government pushing for landmark social media ban for kids under the age of 14
The South Australia government is considering banning children under the age of 14 from social media in a landmark proposal to protect youth mental health.
SA premier Peter Malinauskas has detailed the state’s proposed ban, which would follow in the footsteps of Florida lawmakers who banned children aged under 14 from using platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The framework would also see South Australian children aged 14 and 15 need parental consent before signing up to social media.
The regulator could also seek significant penalties and orders through the Supreme Court under French’s proposal.
If approved, the legislation would be the first of its kind in Australia.
Malinauskas said the proposed ban was born out of deep concern for the mental health of young people across the state.
“Like most parents, I am concerned about the impact social media is having on children in our community,” he said in a statement.
