Some may think it ironic that the subject of social media use has been such a hot topic in the media lately, but any irony is lost on organisations at the helm of a push to raise the minimum age for having social media accounts from 13 years to 16 years in Australia.

Social media access has had free reign for too long - that is the sentiment as SA and NSW governments are planning to co-host their first-ever Social Media Summit, set to examine social media’s effects on young people.

Meanwhile Change.org is petitioning to raise the minimum age for social media accounts and has garnered over 120,000 signatures.

As a result of public pressure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced his government’s plan to introduce legislation setting a minimum age for social media use. Instagram has also announced it will introduce "teen accounts" for people under 18, limiting what they can view and who can contact them. 

Evidence linking early exposure to social media with an increase in mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and self-harm among teenagers prompted Nova radio presenter Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli to back the campaign which has bipartisan support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. 

“Over 120,000 Australians have come together to push for this change to 16,” Wippa said. “We’re giving young Australians the time they need to develop emotionally before exposing them to the pressures of the online world. This support for the Change.org petition is sending a clear message to the Prime Minister that we must do more to protect our kids by raising the age to 16." 

It is almost exactly a year since mobile phones were banned in high schools in New South Wales. The ban on mobile phones applies during class, recess, and lunch times.

In the wake of new concerns, some western plains schools have tightened regulations even further.

At Narromine High School, parents and caregivers were recently informed that the school’s mobile phone policy would be adjusted “to prevent anti-social behaviour and increase student engagement in learning.”

Students will be required to have their mobile phones off and away from bell to bell, meaning once students arrive at school, it is expected that they have their mobile phones off and away.

This extends to the use of smart watches, air pods and other listening devices. Although some exemptions will apply, students can face suspension after three incidents.

IMAGE: Narromine High School

Of course, not everyone is happy with this proposed national plan to raise the minimum age for having social media accounts from 13 to 16 in Australia.

Petitions have also been created to oppose the idea. Arguments against include that such a ban would isolate young people from essential online platforms that provide education, connection, and self-expression. 

“A current proposed blanket ban for social media for kids under the age of 16 will isolate large parts of our community who already face devastating isolation in their communities.

"LGBQTIA+, neurodiverse kids, such as those with ADHD, ASD, mental health difficulties, kids with disabilities, and kids in violent families. We need a different solution to tackle the issues here,” the petition creator said.

The growing momentum in Australia to raise the minimum age for social media is part of a broader global movement of parents, educators, and advocates for stronger online protections to protect children from the dangers of early social media exposure and create safer online environments for young people. 

For more information about the campaigns and to view the petitions, visit Change.org/36Months or Change.org/LetThemBeKids