the australian social media ban is so much worse than people think.
an overview of the ban.
If you’re not australian, or if you are and your living under a rock, there is a social media ban for people under the age of 16. Some apps that we will be farewelling as of tomorrow are TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick.
It’s supposed to be citing concerns over mental health issues linked to social media use, such as cyber bullying and exposure to harmful content. This ban is set to take effect as of tomorrow (December 10th) and aims to ‘protect young people from the negative impacts of social media!!!’
some issues that come with the ban are:
youth radicalisation.
critics argue that restricting access to mainstream social media platforms may inadvertently push vulnerable youth into unregulated online spaces, where they could be more susceptible to radicalisation and exposure to harmful ideologies. This concern highlights the complexity of addressing mental health while also considering the risks of driving youth towards more extreme online environments.
impact on marginalised communities.
For many young people, especially those in isolated or marginalised communities, social media serves as a vital tool for connection and support. The ban could isolate these individuals further, depriving them of the opportunity to engage with peers who share the same ‘niche’ interests, experiences and identities. For example, teenagers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ have expressed that social media provides a safe space for them to connect and find acceptable.
challenges of age verification.
The effectiveness of the ban hinges on the ability of social media platforms to accurately verify users’ ages. The government has proposed various methods for age verification, but there are significant concerns about the reliability and privacy implications of these technologies. Previous attempts to implement similar measures have faced criticism for being easily bypassed, raising doubts about the feasibility of enforcing the ban effectively.
regulatory challenges.
The Australian government is also grappling with how to regulate social media companies effectively. There are questions about whether these companies can be held accountable for enforcing age restrictions and what penalties they might face for non-compliance. The lack of a clear regulatory framework could complicate the implementation of the ban.
a conclusion:
While the Australian government’s proposed social media ban aims to ‘protect young people’s mental health’ it raises significant concerns about the unintended consequences, particularly regarding youth radicalisation and the impact on marginalised communities.
The challenges of enforcing age verification and the regulatory landscape further complicate the situation, making it essential to consider a balanced approach that addresses both the risks and benefits of social media use among young people.
you may be wondering “but lily, why are you making a post about it??”
I want to raise awareness. While I may just be a teenager with a tumblr account who writes stories about her favourite bands and has a normal life out of tumblr, this ban effects me as it effects everyone else.
So please, if you can, even if you aren’t from Australia, but you want to show you care, please repost this. I know it won’t do anything, put please. Anything will work.
Thank you so much.
much love, georgscumdump. ❤️🩹