Australian parents and educators have supported Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s proposal to ban social media for young people under 14, though enforcement of the policy remains uncertain.
Although many parents support the new bill, questions still remain on how the government will implement such a ban, given the accessibility of social media through various platforms and devices.
Parent and former educator, Kelly Honeybrook believes social media has only had negative effects for children.
“They’re not ready for mature content when they are still trying to grow and develop and understand the world around them,” Ms Honeybrook said.
“The easy access to mature content is damaging for children’s mental health.
“I think it’s a fantastic thought, I just don’t know how it gets policed. I’d like to see the ins and outs of that policy.”
Parents across the nation have been concerned for the online safety of their children for the last decade, especially after the rise of names such as Andrew Tate and the ‘Nelk Boys’, in the past four years.
After school care worker, Gemma Gordon has said she has noticed changes in young children’s behaviour because of these influencers.
“I used to look after this seven-year-old who would come to school every morning and just talk about Andrew Tate’s harmful views on society,” she said.
“Having a seven-year-old be influenced by a misogynist and homophobe can be super harmful to not only that child but the children around them.”
Young women also face challenges of body image with Instagram models sharing idealistic body types.
According to the Butterfly Foundation, the rate of eating disorders across Australia has increased by 21 per cent since 2012, the biggest spike in girls under the age of 19, the highest users of social media.
Mr Albanese also believes the ban will allow children to spend more time away from screens and spend more time outside.
“I want them off the phones and on the footy fields, the tennis courts and the swimming pools. Real experiences with real people,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.
Although many parents support the bill, questions remain on how the government will implement such a ban, given the accessibility of social media through various platforms and devices.