Australia Passes Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16 – CleanTechnica

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Okay, this isn’t about climate solutions, but it is about tech, and it’s a big story. Australia, in a rapid legislative process, has banned most social media for kids under the age of 16. That includes Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X.

Social media has proven to be quite dangerous for children (and adults, for that matter, but that’s not the story today). From bullying to harmful misinformation to predatory behavior to self-image issues, social media is far more dangerous and damaging than we initially expected when entering what seemed like a utopian connected future. The Australian Parliament has decided it’s just too much for kids to handle and navigate.

The new law went through the legislative process super fast, and some see that as a problem, but the fact is, 77% of Australians support the ban. Also, it’s not like the topic hasn’t been discussed for several months or even years. “The Senate approved the social media ban late on Thursday, the last sitting day of the year, following months of intense public debate and a rushed parliamentary process that saw the bill introduced, debated and passed within a week,” CNN writes.

While there’s been widespread research and discussion around the world regarding the harms of social media, no country has passed a stronger law opposing its use among children. Will others soon follow suit now that Australia has gone down this route?

One funny thing about this to me is Australians often come across as some of the most laid back people, and are stereotyped as a people willing to face any risks or dangers with a smile on their face. Whether relevant or not, a lot is also tagged onto their culture as a result of many people’s origins on the small continent … as prisoners sent there from England. They are often seen as more open minded about certain behaviors or lifestyles. Yet, they’re the first to make such a strong law opposed to social media.

“We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Labor Party) told the Australian Parliament on Monday.

“We have drawn a line in the sand. The enormous power of big tech can no longer remain unchecked in Australia,” Liberal Sen. Maria Kovacic added.

Is this a big step forward? Or is it a step too far? Personally, as a parent with two young kids and being well aware of the harms of social media, I like the sound of it. Kids can still communicate with friends — there are plenty of options for that. And, believe it or not, most of us grew up without social media and can imagine going through childhood without it. Also, some things in this realm are still allowed, such as YouTube and gaming. Some people have an issue with that as well, but, for now, those have been left untouched.

You may be wondering how this is actually supposed to be implemented. Here’s the key summary on that: “Parents and children won’t be penalized for flouting the ban, but companies will need to show that they’ve taken reasonable steps to keep under-age users off.” So, really, when you start thinking practically about it, you can see it’s not truly an outright draconian ban. But if Australians go along with it, it will effectively be a nationwide ban.

Featured photo by Jason Howie (CC license)