Support for banning social media for under 16s rises to 77% among Australians

Ahead of the Australian Parliament’s expected passage of the ground-breaking legislation banning the use of social media by children under 16, YouGov’s latest public data survey reveals overwhelming support across the Australian community for the bill. The proposed law, which has received bipartisan support, has received international attention, with critics including Elon Musk voicing opposition.

This was shown by the YouGov survey 77% of Australians backs the ban on social media for under-16s, a significant increase from the 61% support found in an August poll ahead of the government’s official announcement. Only 23% are against the measure.

In addition 87% of Australians support the introduction of tougher penalties for social media companies that fail to comply with Australian laws. This includes the new ban on under-16 social media and other measures designed to ensure the safety of Australian users.

Paul Smith, YouGov Director of Public Data, stated, “Our poll shows strong support across all aspects of the Government’s proposed social media rules.

Australians are also overwhelmingly in favor of tougher penalties for companies that fail to comply with Australian laws.”

In addition 75% of Australians also indicated support for the government’s plan to introduce a “digital duty of care” that would hold social media companies accountable for proactively protecting users from harmful online content.

Political landscape: dead heat between major parties

YouGov’s public data poll on voting intentions in the federal election has a dead heat with a 50%-50% split on two party preferred vote. Primary vote is Labor 30%, Coalition 38%, Greens 13%, One Nation 9%, Others 10%.

Paul Smith, Director of Public Data, said: “Labour’s primary vote is down to 30%, eight points behind the Coalition on 38%, which would be a deadlock on preferences. Neither Labor nor the Coalition would be likely to get a majority in the House of Representatives if elections were held today.”

Satisfaction for both party leaders is once again negative. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a satisfaction rating of -20%, with 36% satisfied and 56% dissatisfied. In comparison, opposition leader Peter Dutton’s score is less negative at -8 (40% satisfied, 48% dissatisfied).

Despite these assessments, Anthony Albanese remains the preferred prime minister, med 42% of Australians who support him in relation to 39% for Dutton. However, 19% of Australians do not express a preference for either leader.

Method: This survey was conducted between November 15 and 21, 2024, with a sample of 1515. Results are weighted to be representative of the population by age, gender, education, AEC region, household income, weighting by previous vote (Federal vote and Voice voting), with an effective margin of error of 3.2%. See Australian Polling Council Methodology Statement for full weighting.