Australian lawmakers have approved a ban on social media for children under 16 in an effort to address the negative impact of excessive social media use on children’s physical and mental health. The ban affects platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit, with a year given to implement the age limit. Platforms failing to keep children from having accounts face fines. Supporters have cited harmful depictions of body image and misogynistic content as reasons for the ban.
The Australian proposal, with no exemptions for parental consent, is among the strictest globally. Google and Meta have urged for more time to assess the ban’s impact. The ban will be enforced using age verification methods involving biometrics or government identification. Concerns have been raised about privacy.
Critics argue that the ban is too rushed and that social media can provide important support for young people. Parents and scholars have emphasized the benefits of social media, like mental health resources and peer support networks. Some feel the ban will exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. There are concerns about the potential negative consequences of shifting children to messaging apps and gaming platforms.
Young people, who are heavy social media users, feel left out of the decision-making process. Some experts believe the ban overlooks important perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities. The Heads Up Alliance, a group of parents advocating for more restrictions on children’s social media use, graded the ban as deficient. They fear it will not address issues like online bullying and exposure to sexual predators.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
