A recent Guardian Essential poll in Australia indicates strong public backing for increasing the minimum age for social media usage from 13 to 16. The survey also highlights widespread support for stricter regulation of hate speech, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence, as well as revealing disapproval towards key political figures.
A Guardian Essential poll revealed that more than two-thirds of voters in Australia support raising the minimum age for social media usage from 13 to 16 years old. This survey of 1,160 voters also highlighted an increasing desire for stricter government regulation of hate speech, social media, and artificial intelligence. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) believe that tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok have had a “mostly negative” impact on young people.
The poll also indicated that more respondents disapprove than approve of key political figures, with 42% disapproving of Peter Dutton’s performance as opposition leader and 47% disapproving of Anthony Albanese’s job as prime minister.
Regarding social media age limits, 69% of respondents support raising the age to 16, and there is significant support for government measures to combat hate speech, with 62% backing new laws to criminalize vilification based on sex, sexuality, gender, race, or religion.
The poll also touched upon other social issues, revealing that on average, respondents believe that individuals should be 17 and a half years old to buy and consume alcohol, vote, and access pornography. Respondents were also keen on introducing safeguards for artificial intelligence, with 78% agreeing that businesses should ensure its safe use.
Additionally, the idea of national service saw mixed reactions, with 51% approving unpaid volunteer work and 46% approving full-time military service for 18-year-olds, inspired by a similar proposal from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Finally, nearly half of the respondents (49%) believe that Australia is heading in the wrong direction, while 34% feel it is on the right track.
