Social Media Ban: A Probable Thought by Australian Government for School Kids!

The Australian government’s plan to set a minimum age limit for children using social media has sparked significant debate, drawing both support and criticism. The initiative, championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is driven by growing concerns over social media's mental and physical health impacts on young people. The government intends to trial an age verification system before introducing the laws, with a likely age threshold between 14 and 16. Albanese's rationale emphasizes the need for children to have “real experiences with real people,” suggesting that social media is contributing to social harm and undermining the well-being of minors.

Motivation for the Age Limit

The backdrop for this initiative includes mounting evidence from studies and testimonies that link social media use to adverse mental health outcomes in teenagers. A parliamentary inquiry into the societal effects of social media has received emotional testimony from parents, health professionals, and teenagers about the hostile impact platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have on youth. Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, body image concerns, and cyberbullying, have become increasingly associated with social media use, particularly among adolescents. Australia has one of the most digitally engaged populations globally, with 80% of its 26 million people on social media, the risks associated with unchecked youth access to these platforms have garnered substantial attention.

Potential Issues and Backlash

Despite the government's intentions, the proposed law has drawn sharp criticism from digital rights advocates and experts, who argue that such restrictions could have unintended consequences. One of the central concerns is that banning young people from mainstream social media platforms could drive them to less regulated, potentially harmful online spaces. These underground or fringe platforms might lack moderation and safeguards typically in place on significant platforms, exposing children to greater risks.

Daniel Angus, director of the Queensland University of Technology Digital Media Research Centre, expressed concern that the restriction could exclude young people from healthy, meaningful participation in the digital world. Angus believes this could inadvertently push children into lower-quality spaces on the internet, which could pose more significant dangers than mainstream platforms. Moreover, Australia's internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, echoed this sentiment, cautioning that restriction-based approaches could cut off young people from critical support systems they might access online.

The eSafety Commissioner also warned that the approach might not address the broader issue of online harms, which can threaten people of all ages, not just teenagers. Instead, the commissioner advocated for a more nuanced and collaborative approach involving various stakeholders to refine Australia's online space regulation.

The Industry’s Stance

Social media platforms themselves have expressed reservations about the proposed restrictions. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has voiced its preference for empowering young people to benefit from their platforms rather than simply cutting off access. Meta emphasized equipping parents with the tools to support and monitor their children's online activities. While platforms like YouTube and TikTok did not immediately respond, it is evident that the industry is cautious about imposing broad restrictions that could alienate younger users.

DIGI, an industry body representing these platforms, called for the government to consider input from various stakeholders, including mental health experts, LGBTQIA+ groups, and marginalized communities. These groups have voiced concerns that banning social media access for teens could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely on digital spaces for support, community, and self-expression.

The Australian government's plan to introduce a minimum age limit for social media use is a well-intentioned response to legitimate concerns about the adverse effects of social media on young people’s mental health. However, the proposal faces significant criticism, with many experts warning of the risks associated with exclusion from mainstream platforms. As Australia progresses with its age verification trial, it will be crucial for the government to balance child protection with the need for safe and inclusive digital spaces. A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders may help Australia navigate this complex issue without unintentionally creating more harm.

Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra, Principal, Kunwar’s Global School, Lucknow

Source:?https://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=11993cd1def&imageview=0