The Government's Social Media restrictions take effect from December 1, 2025. Throughout 2026 there will be attention paid to how effective the new laws are as Australians come to terms with social and technological change.
There is no doubt that winding back the availability of addictive communication tools will have challenges. However, every generation has changes it must deal with. Since the first smartphones became available, young people and parents have experienced a range of technological offerings to negotiate as best they could. They found out the hard way that they needed the support of Government regulations, because the giant tech companies would not manage and control the way their products were used. The new rules force tech companies to control and manage their products.
The new rules will allow parents and young people more time to enjoy childhood and youth, unencumbered by dominant persuasive opinions, advertising, marketing and uninvited adult behaviours.
Julie Inman Grant, E-Safety Commissioner
Anika Wells, Minister for Communications
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
The Anxious generation
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