September 8th 2024.
The government of South Australia is currently considering a significant proposal that could have a major impact on the well-being of children. The plan is to ban kids under the age of 14 from using social media, in an effort to protect their mental health. This idea was inspired by the state of Florida, where lawmakers have already implemented a similar ban for children under 14 on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram. But it doesn't stop there - in addition, children aged 14 and 15 would also need parental consent before being able to sign up for any social media accounts.
Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, has provided more details on this proposal, which has been met with both support and criticism. One of the key aspects of the plan is to have a regulator in charge of enforcing the new legislation. This person would be responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing any complaints that may arise. Companies that fail to comply with the ban could face fines, and the regulator would also have the power to seek penalties through the Supreme Court. If this proposal is approved, it would be the first of its kind in all of Australia.
The motivation behind this proposal is a deep concern for the well-being of young people in South Australia. Malinauskas, who is also a parent, understands the potential negative impact that social media can have on children. In a statement, he expressed his determination to do everything in his power to protect them. He also noted that there is a growing body of evidence from experts that highlights the harm that social media can cause to children's mental health and development.
One of the individuals involved in researching and developing this proposal is Robert French, a former federal court judge and lawyer. In his report, French recommended that a regulator be put in place to oversee the implementation of the ban and ensure that it is being followed. He also emphasized the need for stricter laws and regulations when it comes to how young people use social media. This sentiment is shared by many, including Sonya Ryan OAM, the founder and CEO of the Carly Ryan Foundation.
Sadly, Ryan knows firsthand the dangers of social media for children. Her daughter, Carly, was only 15 when she was tragically killed by a predator she met online in 2007. In light of this, Ryan fully supports Malinauskas's proposal and believes that it is necessary to protect children from the harmful content and individuals that can be found on social media. She also pointed to numerous studies that have linked social media use among young children to negative effects such as depression, anxiety, and poor body image.
In Ryan's opinion, the only way to truly move forward and address these issues is to have appropriate legislation in place that not only protects children but also regulates big tech companies. This could include mandatory age verification for all social media platforms. With the support of individuals like Ryan and the dedication of the South Australian government, there is hope for a safer and healthier online environment for children in the future.
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