The Pat Kenny Show Australia to introduce age restrictions on social media
Dec 4, 2025
David Robert Grimes, an author and disinformation expert, dives into Australia’s groundbreaking decision to ban social media accounts for those under 16. He discusses the challenges of age verification, the public health framing of the law, and the mix of support and backlash from parents and teenagers. Grimes also highlights global interest in this initiative and outlines potential comparisons to public health laws like those governing alcohol and smoking. The conversation shifts to issues in the U.S. regarding vaccine misinformation and controversial CDC appointments.
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New Australian Age-Restriction Law
- Australia will legally require platforms to take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s creating accounts from 10 December.
- The rule limits membership but not content viewing, and enforcement methods are left to companies.
Framing As A Public Health Measure
- David Robert Grimes frames the Australian measure as a public-health intervention rather than a perfect solution.
- He compares it to past public-health laws that reduced harm despite imperfect compliance.
Gaps In Scope Leave Risks Elsewhere
- The law excludes many platforms like gaming sites, creating gaps where harm can persist.
- Australia acknowledges the ban isn't one-size-fits-all and may miss grooming and misinformation on gaming platforms.
