Daniel Morcombe Foundation backs social media age restrictions

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have advocated for age restrictions on social media platforms.

Friday 29 November, 2024

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to introduce age verification for under 16s on social media platforms.

Denise and Bruce Morcombe and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation have advocated the Federal Government for this change for several years.

The Foundation was represented at a public hearing for the Joint select committee on social media and Australian society on 10 July, 2024, where it supported a ban for under 16s on social media platforms.

Morcombes and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s positions are that young teenagers should be prevented from accessing social media, and age verification technology and processes should be introduced to enforce that.

“By ensuring that kids are of the appropriate age before accessing social media, we’re taking important steps to shield them from harmful content and give parents more control,” Denise said.

“The impact of social media on online safety, mental health and privacy needs to be addressed,” she added.

Bruce said, “While this may not be a solution to the dangers facing young people online, it is a significant step forward.”

“The impact of social media on online safety, mental health and privacy needs to be addressed.

“We believe every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood – online and offline.”

ENDS