Australia has recently implemented new legislation that prohibits children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. This move has sparked a debate on the best ways to protect children online, with the government arguing that the ban is necessary for their safety, while Big Tech companies and some human rights groups believe it will not be effective.
Mark Andrejevic, a professor at Monash University, believes that the ban is a step in the right direction in terms of protecting children’s data and privacy. He argues that children are not equipped to navigate the complexities of social media and are vulnerable to exploitation from companies seeking to profit from their data.
On the other hand, Nirali Bhatia, a cyberpsychologist, opposes the ban, stating that it could have unintended consequences such as limiting children’s access to educational resources and social interactions. She believes that a more comprehensive approach to online safety education and parental supervision is needed.
Noeline Blackwell, a human rights lawyer from Ireland, emphasizes the importance of balancing children’s rights to privacy and freedom of expression with the need for protection from online harms. She suggests that a more nuanced approach, such as age-appropriate privacy settings and parental controls, would be more effective in safeguarding children online.
Overall, the debate surrounding the ban on under-16s using social media in Australia highlights the challenges of protecting children online while respecting their rights and autonomy. Different experts and stakeholders around the world have varying perspectives on the issue, underscoring the complexity of finding solutions to online safety concerns.
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