Australia Passes Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16

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Okay, this isn’t about local weather options, however it’s about tech, and it’s an enormous story. Australia, in a speedy legislative course of, has banned most social media for teenagers underneath the age of 16. That features Snapchat, TikTok, Fb, Instagram, Reddit, and X.

Social media has confirmed to be fairly harmful for youngsters (and adults, for that matter, however that’s not the story right now). From bullying to dangerous misinformation to predatory habits to self-image points, social media is much extra harmful and damaging than we initially anticipated when coming into what appeared like a utopian related future. The Australian Parliament has determined it’s simply an excessive amount of for teenagers to deal with and navigate.

The brand new regulation went by way of the legislative course of tremendous quick, and a few see that as an issue, however the truth is, 77% of Australians support the ban. Additionally, it’s not like the subject hasn’t been mentioned for a number of months and even years. “The Senate approved the social media ban late on Thursday, the last sitting day of the year, following months of intense public debate and a rushed parliamentary process that saw the bill introduced, debated and passed within a week,” CNN writes.

Whereas there’s been widespread analysis and dialogue all over the world relating to the harms of social media, no nation has handed a stronger regulation opposing its use amongst kids. Will others quickly comply with swimsuit now that Australia has gone down this route?

One humorous factor about this to me is Australians typically come throughout as a few of the most laid again folks, and are stereotyped as a folks keen to face any dangers or risks with a smile on their face. Whether or not related or not, quite a bit can be tagged onto their tradition because of many individuals’s origins on the small continent … as prisoners sent there from England. They’re typically seen as extra open minded about sure behaviors or life. But, they’re the primary to make such a powerful regulation against social media.

“We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Labor Get together) instructed the Australian Parliament on Monday.

“We have drawn a line in the sand. The enormous power of big tech can no longer remain unchecked in Australia,” Liberal Sen. Maria Kovacic added.

Is that this an enormous step ahead? Or is it a step too far? Personally, as a mum or dad with two younger youngsters and being effectively conscious of the harms of social media, I just like the sound of it. Children can nonetheless talk with pals — there are many choices for that. And, consider it or not, most of us grew up with out social media and might think about going by way of childhood with out it. Additionally, some issues on this realm are nonetheless allowed, corresponding to YouTube and gaming. Some folks have a difficulty with that as effectively, however, for now, these have been left untouched.

You might be questioning how that is truly imagined to be applied. Right here’s the important thing abstract on that: “Parents and children won’t be penalized for flouting the ban, but companies will need to show that they’ve taken reasonable steps to keep under-age users off.” So, actually, whenever you begin pondering virtually about it, you’ll be able to see it’s not really an outright draconian ban. But when Australians associate with it, it can successfully be a nationwide ban.

Featured photo by Jason Howie (CC license)