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Article Teen Social Media Ban Proposed By Australian Government Could ‘Backfire Terribly’

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Kids under the age of 14 could be banned from social media, under Federal Government legislation set to be introduced this year.

It would enforce a minimum age requirement for children to access social media, as concern grows over the impact it’s having on young kids.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says all Australian states and territories are committed to tackling the issue.

“We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences,” the Prime Minister said. “Australian young people deserve better and I stand with them and with all Australian parents in protecting our kids.

“The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount. We’re supporting parents and keeping kids safe by taking this action, because enough is enough.”

The plan has received a mixed response from experts, who say it could both harm and help.

“Research on social influence suggests a social media ban could be the silver bullet, or backfire terribly,” said Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer from the UNSW School of Psychology.

“If a ban is rigorously implemented it could offer young people who are sensitive to the effects of social media a reprieve from its pressures.

“Unfortunately, it will also remove opportunities for connection for highly vulnerable groups, such as young people from certain minority groups and those with certain types of neurodivergence, who greatly benefit form connecting with peers online.”

What do you think? Let us know your opinion in the comments below. 

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  • I completely support this ban! Children do not understand the implications of their actions in real life let alone on social media. I don’t know if it would work but children need less social media and far less technology!

    • Agree – Children do need less social media – they spend so much time on it creating videos and trying to show themselves off etc. They should be out enjoying being a kid and experiencing things that aren’t on their ipads or phones. I hope this works and we do see kids using social media less often.

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  • Governments must make decisions to benefit the majority. Organisations exist to support minorities. The ban should bring greater good than harm and as long as funding continues to support kids needing different approaches, this should greatly aid society.

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  • It’s great to think of how we can better protect kids, but will this work, and how will it be implemented. Are they going to make users send their ID to social media sites to prove they are over the banned age? I hate the thought of that. Hacks happen to sophisticated businesses, and you can do a lot of damage with the information on a driver’s licence.

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  • I support the ban also. My son is 14 and has some health conditions. He was told about an online group for kids with his condition but he just doesn’t want to join the group. My 17yo still doesn’t have social media account, she’s just not interested.

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  • I think it is possible to connect online without using social media. I support the ban.

    Reply
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