Last week, the Federal Government passed legislation to introduce a groundbreaking social media ban for those under 16, aiming to protect young users. While the intention is clear—mitigating risks to youth—it’s a complex issue that demands careful analysis.
Here are some key considerations:
Social media platforms rely on algorithms designed to show users content that reinforces their existing beliefs. For young minds still developing critical thinking skills, this can be dangerous.
Algorithms feed users what they want to see, creating echo chambers where opposing views are rarely encountered. Youth exposed to one-sided content can quickly develop polarized views, which may fuel division in our multicultural society. A stark example is a recent TEDX talk demonstrating how quickly search algorithms can inundate users with extremist content after just a few clicks.
Without the tools to recognise this bias, young users are vulnerable to manipulation, radicialisation, extremism and even terrorism; the concerning part is they won’t even know.
Social media has become a tool for exploitation and abuse.
Too often children become a target for online predators who exploit their trust. A tragic example I came across recently involved a young boy who was deceived by an adult posing as a peer, leading to blackmail and a devastating outcome.
This highlights the need for stricter oversight and education to prevent such tragic outcomes.
The link between social media use and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, is well-documented.
The documentary The Social Dilemma illustrates how youth suicide rates spiked with the rise of social media. This goes to demonstrate humans are not designed to handle the constant opinions and judgment of thousands. Even adults struggle with online criticism, let alone young people, who are less equipped to deal with it, often lacking the skills to manage online negativity, leading to a breakdown in self-esteem and mental health.
While the social media ban that has been introduced by the Federal Government is well-intentioned, questions remain about its effectiveness and implementation.
Will tech-savvy youth find ways to bypass the ban? Is the government simply over-regulating without addressing the root causes? A broader, more meaningful approach may involve equipping parents with tools and educating youth on digital resilience, rather than relying solely on prohibition.
Australia’s leadership in this space is noteworthy, but we must ensure that the response is not just a political gesture. Effective solutions will balance regulation with education, fostering critical thinking, self-regulation, and parental support. This is an ongoing conversation, and while the risks are clear, the path forward must be thoughtfully navigated to truly safeguard our youth.
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