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Governments around the world are grappling with the best way to protect young people from the harms of social media.
Australia has the strictest laws to keep out young teenagers – the seed of an idea that germinated in South Australia.
The South Australian government, led by Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas, has proposed legislation to keep children under the age of 14 off social media.
“I think the impact is so dramatic that to ignore the evidence that we now know is causing harm would actually be reckless and irresponsible,” Malinauskas said.
He’s a worried parent himself, having the same conversations as many other families across the country.
“It’s something that my wife and I have spent a lot of time talking about, but actually my wife reading the book ‘Anxious Generation’ made her say to me, ‘you have to do something about this,'” Malinauskas said.
He commissioned a comprehensive report that ultimately led to the proposal to ban social media for children under 14.
This was quickly picked up nationally, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media.
The bill was tabled in parliament and passed on Thursday evening.
However, some argue that restricting access to social media may not be the answer.
“For many young people, social media is a place where they can connect, create, develop their identity,” said Jackie Hallon, Deputy CEO of ReachOut.
“Seventy-three per cent of young people use social media to access support for mental health and wellbeing,” she added.
But others say the age limit could be a crucial first step.
“Nothing is going to make as much of a difference as restricting kids from these platforms in the first place,” Malinauskas said.
Support is available from the Children’s Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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