Should We Ban Social Media for Minors?
which countries are considering banning social media for children and which countries have done so already. Why are they doing this and what results are they hoping for?
Australia has enacted legislation prohibiting individuals under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). This law, set to take effect in late 2025, imposes fines up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million) on companies failing to enforce the age restriction.
The primary objective is to safeguard children's mental and physical health by reducing exposure to harmful content and mitigating risks such as cyberbullying and online predators. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of protecting young people from the adverse effects of social media.
Other countries are observing Australia's approach and considering similar measures. For instance, the United Kingdom is contemplating stricter age verification processes for social media users.
In the United States, various states have proposed or enacted legislation requiring parental consent for minors to use social media platforms.
The anticipated outcomes of these regulations include:
However, critics argue that such bans may:
The effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as countries balance protecting youth with ensuring their digital engagement and rights.
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Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s
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3 个月In a world where technology shapes how we communicate, it’s vital to set boundaries to protect our youth and create safer communities. Recently, Australia took a bold step by safeguarding young lives, and it’s time for us to expand this mindset globally, especially when it comes to technology use in cars! Screen time restrictions alone are not enough. Tech-savvy kids can easily bypass controls, accessing content & connections that parents understand. Apps with back doors unmonitored communication platforms create a digital environment where “privacy” can mean secrecy from the very people who care about their well-being. Who are they texting? Who are they talking to? Without visibility, we can’t ensure their safety. One pressing issue is the rising number of accidents caused by texting while driving. It’s time for all states to mandate Bluetooth-only in vehicles—not just for young drivers Texting! California, automatically disabled texting and phone It was seamless and effective—a responsible innovation we should all embrace. Simple solutions like this can save lives. Let’s be proactive in holding ourselves accountable for the next generation. Safety should never be optional. After all, there’s enough opportunity for everyone!
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3 个月Overall I think the term 'social media' needs to be defined for minors to address the concepts of privacy, security, screen time, education, community building, and trusted relationships. By the time someone reaches 18 in the U.S. today there is a good chance that many of our children have been influenced in very negative (and sometimes very dark) ways.
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3 个月Thomas Ross, thank you for sharing your perspective on this important issue
Strategy & Corp. Finance Executive | Helping impact-driven businesses scale up | Fractional CFO to startups and SMBs. Certified Scaling Up Coach.
3 个月Protecting young minds while fostering digital literacy requires thoughtful regulation. How can we create safer online spaces?