The Allan Labor Government will work with South Australia and the Commonwealth to introduce age limits for social media - to protect children from harm and help parents push back against the tech giants.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Education Ben Carroll and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today visited South Melbourne Primary School to start a discussion with parents and children about the change ahead.
Following detailed work commissioned by the Government of South Australia and supported by Victoria, the Commonwealth today announced a plan to deliver social media age limits through national legislation - with further detail on age limits and definitions to be determined through national-level consultation.
While Victoria was prepared to introduce state legislation, it will prioritise a nationally consistent approach and work with the Commonwealth to help deliver one set of clear rules to keep the tech giants in check.
Over the coming months, Victoria will also lead a consultation round with parents, schools and children - to make sure their diverse needs and circumstances are considered during the development of the national reforms.
The state will share findings with the Commonwealth following its consultation process, to be coordinated by Parliamentary Secretary for Children, Nathan Lambert, and Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Nina Taylor.
As a commonsense starting point for the national laws, Victoria points to the model outlined by the Honourable Robert French AC in his legal examination prepared for the South Australian Government.
Under this model, social media access would be prohibited for children aged under 14 and would require parental consent for children aged 14 and 15 to access. The model also proposed options for enforcement.
Importantly, under this model, a mechanism would be provided for social media services to be exempt if they pose little risk and support healthy development - such as educational sites, or programs designed for diverse learners.
The new national laws must also be flexible enough so states experiencing different online trends can be supported.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"It's absolutely time for change. There are benefits to social media, but for children, the harms outweigh the good."
"The voices of parents, schools and kids must be heard as we shape these reforms - we'll make sure of that."
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"This ban supports teachers, parents, and carers to have important conversations that protect young people online."
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"We'll support the Commonwealth to make sure the diverse needs of parents, children and schools are met."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"I hear the same concern from parents over and over in my community: we're worried about our kids on socials."
