Parliament set to pass social media ban for under-16s

Children younger than 16 are all but set to be banned from social media, with federal parliament poised to enact the world-first legislation.

The Senate is expected on Thursday to pass the laws that would ban young people from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with bipartisan support.

However, there has been concern the proposal has been rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny, given Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban.

The ban would come into effect one year after the laws pass the parliament, with trials of age-verification technology still being carried out by the federal government.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would help children to be safe online.

"We know parents are concerned about the harms to children and we have taken a decision to support them," she told parliament.

"Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that."

Criticism had been levelled at the ban after an inquiry into the laws ran for just three hours, with people also only given one day to hand in submissions, as well as a lack of consultation with young people themselves.

Suicide Prevention Australia executive director Christopher Stone said the laws had been rushed and would not address the issue of online harms.

"The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation," he said.

"It has bypassed the rigorous consultation and scrutiny needed for such a far-reaching decision.

"Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste.

"This legislation fails to consider the positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection."

While the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support support, several coalition members have broken ranks on the issues.

Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor to vote against the ban in the House of Representatives, while coalition senator Matt Canavan has also criticised the laws.