A ban has been proposed for teenagers under 16 from using social media, but now LGBTQ+ advocates are arguing that this ban may actually cause more harm than good.
Proposed Ban
The Australian government has proposed new regulations that will require teens under the age of 16 to obtain parental consent to use social media before creating a profile on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Protecting Minors
This proposed measure hopes to protect minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content that has plagued the internet since its release to the public.
Justification for the Measure
Supporters of the measure believe this regulation will help create a safer online environment for young people and provide kids more time to mature before engaging with the internet’s largely unmonitored landscape.
Enforcing Age Verification
By enforcing age verification and parental oversight, these supporters believe they can mitigate the risks associated with minors using social media.
Potential Consequences
However, critics from all over the world have rushed to argue that the ban may push teenagers to use social media in secret and inadvertently expose them to greater risks.
The eSafety Commissioner’s Concern
In an interview with The Guardian, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, highlighted this worry and how kids with minimal supervision are still better off than kids with zero.
Losing Sight of Kids
Grant told The Guardian, “If we force kids to go underground, we lose sight of them, and they are exposed to even more risks.”
Digital Literacy
Experts in the field have also commented on the situation and have emphasized the need to improve digital literacy among young people rather than impose strict bans.
The Most Effective Strategy
Dr. Paul Byron, a digital safety expert from the University of Technology Sydney, believes educating teens about safe online practices is the more effective strategy in the long term.
Quote From Digital Expert
Dr. Byron said, “Empowering young people with digital skills is crucial. They need to understand the risks and how to navigate them safely.”
Impact on LGBTQ+ Teens
Some critics of the proposal have also highlighted the fact that the internet serves as a vital space for LGBTIQ+ teens, where they can freely explore their identity and connect with supportive communities.
Depriving Teens of Supportive Networks
If these teens were completely cut off from the online communities that have helped them learn to accept themselves, it could isolate these teens and deprive them of essential support networks.
Research Findings
According to the report by the eSafety Commissioner, “LGBTQ+ teens are more likely to seek emotional support online compared to their heterosexual peers.”
Mental Health Concerns
If the restriction passes, it could have significant mental health implications for teenagers who rely on online platforms for support, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Enforcement Challenges
Another issue with such a restriction would be the difficulty of enforcing such a ban, thanks to the pervasive nature of social media and the ease at which teens can create anonymous accounts.
Substantial Resources
Sarah McLean, a policy analyst at the Australian Digital Rights Foundation, explained to the Guardian that effective enforcement would require substantial resources and technological capabilities.
A Logistical Nightmare
McLean told The Guardian, “Implementing these restrictions will be a logistical nightmare and may not yield the desired results.”
Alternative Approaches
Some experts suggest that instead of strict bans, the government should focus on enhancing privacy settings and providing children with comprehensive online safety education programs.
Coordinated Collaboration
If governments coordinated collaborative efforts between parents, educators, and tech companies, a safer online environment would be created without restrictive measures.
A Balanced Approach
Prof. Michael Carr-Gregg, a prominent child psychologist, says, “We need a balanced approach that combines education, technological safeguards, and parental involvement.”
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carlo Prearo.
