There are arguments for and against the introduction of a social media ban for under-16s. While a ban may help to protect children and young people from online harms, it will also limit important human rights.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed a Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool to assess the impact of proposed laws on children’s human rights. Undertaking a CRIA assessment will help the government assess how children’s rights and wellbeing will be affected by the proposed ban, as well as ensuring that the unique needs and voices and children and young people are heard.
Based on the information currently available, the Australian Human Rights Commission has serious reservations about the proposed social media ban for children under 16 years of age.