When Communications Minister Anika Wells visited St Mary MacKillop College, Canberra, yesterday to discuss the upcoming social media ban for Australians under 16, she found many students in favour of the move. Source: Catholic Voice.
The ban, due to take effect on December 10, will make social media platforms Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick responsible for ensuring users are aged 16 or over.
Peyton, 15, said she and many of her classmates saw the change as positive.
“I actually think it’s a good thing, and you’d be surprised how many teenagers my age and younger think that too,” she said. “It’ll help reduce cyberbullying and protect the mental health of young people.”
She said many students were looking forward to life with fewer online distractions.
“People are saying they can’t wait for everyone to get off Snapchat and just go outside without thinking, ‘Who’s texting me?’” Peyton said. “It’ll be hard at first because Snapchat is how we all message, but in the long run it’ll be good for us.”
David, 17, said he believed the change would help future students avoid the dependence that emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns.
“A lot of us became hooked on social media during that time,” he said. “I don’t think any of us would wish that on the next generation.”
Alex, 18, who started a successful YouTube channel at the age of 14, said the ban could limit creative opportunities.
“I understand what the law is trying to fix, but it might get rid of some opportunities,” he said. “For me, making videos was fun and even profitable. Some kids will miss that.”
Ms Wells told students the ban was designed to give them “breathing space” and to shift responsibility away from families.
“It’s not up to you or your mum to delete Snapchat. The onus is on the platforms,” she said. “We want to give young people the chance to have real-world friendships, not just DMs and memes.”
Ms Wells said the changes aimed to protect young people from online harm, bullying and addiction, allowing them more time to develop resilience and healthy relationships.
FULL STORY
Minister hears student support for under-16 social media ban (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
