Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s\n\nAustralia has implemented a nationwide ban preventing individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The policy, which was passed into federal law by late November after being conceptualized for a year, has drawn varied responses across the country.\n\n## Impact on Young People\n\nBreanna Easton, 15, residing in a remote area of Australia's outback, stated that the restriction affects her ability to communicate with friends, many of whom live over 100 kilometers away. Easton utilizes platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok for peer interaction.\n\nConversely, Lola Farrugia, 12, who does not currently use social media, indicated that the ban does not impact her, as she maintains connections with friends through school and sports. Her mother reportedly described social media as "junk food for the brain.".\n\n## Policy Rationale and Development\n\nProponents of the ban, including South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, assert that the legislation is necessary to protect children from online pressures, bullying, and predators, as well as to address concerns over excessive screen time. Malinauskas initiated state-level legislation after reading Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," which discusses the effects of smartphones on childhood. He stated that the protection of young people supersedes other considerations in this policy.\n\nEmma Mason, a campaigner whose 15-year-old daughter died by suicide, attributed her daughter's experiences with cyberbullying to social media. Mason has publicly supported the legislation alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, stating that social media platforms are "unregulated agents of harm" and that it is the government's responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals. She expressed a desire for the ban to prevent younger generations, specifically those aged 13 and below, from experiencing similar harms.\n\n## Criticisms and Concerns\n\nCritics of the ban raise concerns that it may lead children to less regulated online environments and question the effectiveness of the age-verification technology. Jacinta Hickey, 14, residing in Sydney, stated that she considers herself "mature enough to distinguish right from wrong" regarding online interactions, suggesting the ban is unnecessary for her age group.\n\nMegan Easton, Breanna's mother, acknowledged the need for child protection but expressed apprehension that the government's intervention might reduce parental authority in guiding children's digital literacy. She noted that her children, raised in a geographically isolated area, rely on online connections given their remote learning and boarding school experiences.\n\nVarious minority groups have also voiced concerns. A survey by Minus18, an LGBTQ+ youth support organization, reported that 96% of nearly 1,000 respondents found social media important for accessing friends and support, with 82% believing a ban would lead to disconnection. Sadie Angus, 13, reported using social media as an anonymous "safe space" to share experiences, particularly within the queer community, a benefit her mother, Kath Angus, also noted.\n\nSharon Fraser, CEO of Reframing Autism, expressed apprehension regarding the implications for autistic young people, highlighting the potential benefits of online platforms for diverse communication and socialization styles not always accessible offline.\n\n## Educational Perspectives\n\nIris Nastasi, principal at Rosebank College in Sydney, supports the ban, citing issues such as late-night online activity leading to "damaged relationships" among students. She noted a shift in her perspective on student smartphone use over the past two decades, now emphasizing the preservation of childhood innocence.