Just now realizing that the UK is going through a social media ban for those under 16.
Please be ok. I don't know how old you are but I hope that you are ok.
Just now realizing how bad it's getting there.
Okay, I do want to talk about this. I’m not the greatest at organising or involving facts in these things, so it might be more of a rant, but I'll try to make the important stuff clear.
Firstly, my sixteenth birthday is in early October of this year (happy birthday to me!). So, I will be fine. Mostly. There's talk of a curfew for under-18s, but my socials should stay active, and I fully intend for them to, as far as possible. Also, as a bonus fact, I plan on volunteering for OTW the moment I’m of age to, so I'll be trying my hardest to fight against this sorts of things in future, in my own small ways.
Secondly, I'd like to make my opinion clear. I categorically oppose the UK's, Australia, and anywhere else's ban of social media, or anything else, for children, or ay other age range. I have two main reasons for this. (1) The principle of it. If a government can ban something for a certain group of people, what else can it do? it may only lead to worse things 1/5 times, but these aren't good times we're living in.
(2) As a child who has seen sexually explicit material, people encouraging and speaking openly about suicide, graphic violence and documented abuses, I don’t believe this is the sort of thing that should be controlled by the powers that be. I may not be normal, and gods know I’m not a terribly good person. I've tried to kill myself, considered it more times than I can count, I have and still do hurt myself when it gets dark, I’m hypersexual and it hurts, gods, it hurts a lot, but this place is my bane and blessing. I wouldn't be here without this name I've made for myself. In every way. But I’m well adjusted to normal society, intelligent, emotionally years ahead of my peers, and attempt to be sympathetic to anyone I encounter. I thank you, and this places, for that.
And, I know, that for everyone like me, who's far from perfect myself, there's another teenager who killed themselves, or blogs misogyny in their free time. And I don’t mind that. It goes against my personal ideals, for sure, but I think we should live in a world that doesn't limit any given individual. I think these Acts and bans should be looking at support, not destroying the only space those radicalised unhealthily feel safe in, where they may eventually reach out into in hopes of changing their behaviour. I think that if the world looks towards helping and encouraging each other upwards, we can stop people falling through the cracks. That's a big belief of mine, and it may not be popular, but I refuse to doubt the power of the individual, or the power of a simple act of kindness.
Thirdly, going ahead. I hope someday, I really can make a difference in things like these. Even if something does go wrong, and this whole wonderful life I've built for myself online disappears somehow, I don’t want to stop believing in these things. I have every intention of growing up and staying in touch with those younger than me, being annoyed by them so I can still sympathise with them in turn. I don’t want to lose touch, and nor should you. Even if you're mid-twenties and mdni, it's in your power to decide to present yourself like that. I won't stop you. You should be aware that it's only by a single digit at the start of your age that you have that privilege. If there's anyone younger than me that I can help, in any way, please, reach out.
I know everyone fighting against a localised cause says this, but don’t think it won't be you next. It probably won't be. You're probably already prepped, confident, everything under your control. But just remember what it felt like, if it ever has before.
It's bad. Thanks for asking :) If anyone has any questions, please ask, and as I've said, I personally should be in the clear for most of these. Thanks to anyone who's read this far, and I’m sorry to anyone else who's struggling with this.