A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Senate on Thursday and will soon become a world-first law. The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (USD 33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.
The platforms will have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties
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are enforced.
While on the outset, this moves looks bold and revolutionary, considering the growing addiction of children to digital media and the negative impacts that are associated with it, the implementation of this law on ground won’t be a cakewalk for sure.
In today’s world which is glued to various social media apps, suddenly taking them away from the lives of youngsters could prove tricky and hasty. Any technology has its pros and cons. Digital media is no different. In fact, considering its widescale usage, the debate over its impact becomes even more intense.
Let’s first look at the pros of banning social media apps on children’s phones. By limiting access to social media, children may be less likely to experience cyberbullying, which can have significant negative impacts on their mental health. It can help reduce the amount of time children spend on their phones, allowing them to engage in more offline activities and develop healthier habits.
Children may be shielded from potentially harmful or age-inappropriate content that can be readily accessed on social media platforms. Without the distraction of social media, children may be more focused on their studies and have more meaningful interactions with family and friends in person.
Now let’s examine the cons. Social media can be a primary means of communication for many children and banning these apps could potentially isolate them from their peers. Social media platforms can provide opportunities for children to learn digital literacy skills, connect with others who share their interests and explore new ideas and perspectives.
Also, banning social media apps may not necessarily prevent children from accessing them through other means and it could make it harder for parents to monitor their online activities and educate them about safe internet use.
Children may feel frustrated or resentful if they perceive the ban as overly restrictive or unfair, which could strain parent-child relationships.
The online world plays a huge role in the lives of children and young people. Social media, online gaming, instant messaging platforms and image-sharing services enable children to interact with their peers, develop and pursue interests, and connect with new communities. However, these platforms and services also come with risks, including online abuse, grooming, and exposure to content that is illegal or harmful.
Instead of a complete ban on use of social media applications by the government, it would be perhaps wiser to regulate the usage by having mechanisms that will allow greater parental control. This way, access to toxic content can be checked and blocked by the parents for the wellbeing of their children.
Parents can have meaningful dialogue with the children regarding the benefits and potential risks of social media. Begin by establishing rules around screen time, social media usage, and appropriate online behaviour. Clearly communicate these guidelines to your children and enforce them consistently.
Parents must display healthy technology habits for their children by demonstrating responsible smartphone and prioritise real-life interactions by limiting screen time and engaging in offline activities.
Parents and teachers must develop the ability to critically evaluate online content in their wards, including distinguishing between reliable information and misinformation, recognising online scams, and understanding the potential consequences of their online actions.
The children should be taught to treat others with respect and kindness both online and offline. Discuss the impact of cyberbullying and emphasise the importance of thinking before posting or commenting online.
Help the children understand the importance of protecting their personal information/images/videos online, such as avoiding sharing sensitive details and using strong, unique passwords. They should be encouraged to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends and family, and engage in physical activity away from screens.
Complete ban looks like a knee-jerk reaction. Instead, efforts should be made to create awareness on the impact of social media overuse in children and the app makers. Internal control mechanism can help stop misuse of the apps. One may decry this step also calling it an infringement of individual privacy, but regulation on sharing and accessing using embedded AI facility can help in misuse of technology.
