Children should finally be children again. To achieve this, Australia is taking a big step towards regulation.
The country wants to ban young people under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The new law essentially aims to give parents the opportunity to shift blame to the government.
► Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to many parents and relatives concerned about children’s safety online. “I want parents to be able to say, ‘I’m sorry, man, but this is against the law,’” he said.
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The bill is expected to be tabled in parliament soon. But it could take another year for the new rules to take effect. Albanese underlined that with this step Australia wants to be a model to follow at a global level.
► Already in September the Prime Minister had described social media as a “scourge” and called for children to return to having real friends and experiences.
An important point: the responsibility for verifying the age of users should rest with the companies themselves, not them Parents. It is not yet clear how it will be technically implemented. However, users should not fear penalties in case of violations.
► Media experts and youth advocates criticize the idea and call for media literacy. They demand higher security standards and better use of digital technologies.
Social media rules in other countries
Australia isn’t the only country that wants to regulate social media more strictly.
► Norway had one a few weeks ago total ban on social media announced for children and young people under 15 years of age.
► In France one applies Ban on cell phones in schools for children under 15 years old. The Netherlands, New Zealand and Great Britain also want to follow suit.
► In the United States there are various initiatives. In total, at least 35 out of 50 US states want to regulate the use of social media by young people.
► China’s Internet authority CAC calls for the introduction of “underage mode”. This would prevent children under 18 from accessing the internet between 10pm and 6am.
In Germany there is no minimum age for Social means. Most apps have a age limit of 13 years. Parents In theory, children under 16 must agree to go online, but this is rarely checked. Birth dates can easily be falsified.
Time.news Interview: Should Children Be Protected from Social Media?
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a timely topic that affects millions of families around the world—social media usage among children. To explore this issue, we have with us Dr. Susan Taylor, a child psychologist and digital policy expert. Dr. Taylor, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Taylor: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this important subject.
Editor: Australia is making headlines with a proposed law to ban children under 16 from accessing platforms like Instagram and TikTok. What’s your initial reaction to this move?
Dr. Taylor: It’s a significant step that reflects growing concerns about children’s safety and mental health online. Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities for connection, it can also expose children to harmful content, cyberbullying, and unrealistic comparisons, affecting their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Editor: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned wanting parents to have a legal safeguard to say, “This is against the law.” Do you believe this will provide parents with the support they need?
Dr. Taylor: Absolutely. Many parents feel overwhelmed when it comes to managing their children’s online activities. By having this legal framework, they will be empowered to enforce boundaries. It also reduces the guilt they may feel when potentially limiting their children’s online interactions.
Editor: The proposal emphasizes that companies should be responsible for verifying users’ ages. Do you think social media platforms can effectively manage this?
Dr. Taylor: That’s the million-dollar question. The technology exists for companies to verify ages, but the enforcement has been lax. If companies take this seriously and invest in robust age verification systems, it could make a significant difference. However, it’s a complex issue that requires cooperation from both the platforms and governments worldwide.
Editor: In your view, what are the potential psychological impacts of social media on children under 16?
Dr. Taylor: Research shows that early exposure to social media can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. It also affects their ability to form genuine relationships. By encouraging children to develop “true friendships” offline, as Prime Minister Albanese suggested, we foster healthier emotional development.
Editor: Real friendships, indeed! What recommendations would you provide to parents during this transitional period?
Dr. Taylor: Start by having open conversations about online safety and the importance of real-life interactions. Encourage activities that foster connection without screens, like sports or arts. Lastly, model healthy social media habits yourself; children often mimic their parents’ behaviors.
Editor: So, while Australia’s steps are significant, more education and awareness must accompany regulation. What global implications do you foresee if this law is passed?
Dr. Taylor: If Australia successfully implements this law, it could set a precedent for other nations to follow suit. It might spark a global conversation about child safety online and push social media companies to prioritize minors’ well-being across their platforms.
Editor: Dr. Taylor, thank you for your insightful perspectives. It seems this discussion about protecting children in a digital age has only just begun.
Dr. Taylor: Thank you for having me. It’s critical to continue exploring and advocating for children’s rights in this digital landscape.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important issue. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover developments in the intersection of technology and childhood. Until next time!