A few days ago Australia’s ban on certain social media websites for children under 16 took effect. Some parents are sharing that the ban has already resulted in their children being more engaged in real life activities. However, critics are skeptical of the ban’s efficacy as some youth have (predictably) already been able to circumvent the ID checks—some even with the blessing of their parents—and certain platforms, such as Roblox and copycat sites not explicitly included in the ban, remain unregulated.
While the government argues that the ID checks and facial scans protect privacy, some hawks have nonetheless expressed their concerns in this regard. And a group of teens, along with Reddit (one of the platforms subject to the ban), have filed lawsuits against the Australian government, claiming it impedes young people’s right to political communication. These concerns have not deterred parliamentarians in Denmark, who plan to institute a social media ban for under-15s next year.
What do you all think? Do any of these celebrations or concerns resonate with you? Should social media addiction be considered a public health issue, and if so, does it follow that the government must play a role in limiting social media access the way it does in age-restricting access to alcohol and tobacco? What do you think the long-term effect of this ban may be?