New Laws Ban Under-16s from Social Media to Protect Mental Health
Teenager holding a phone with social media apps crossed out – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL-E by OpenAI.
VOCABULARY LIST
Ban (verb) /bæn/: To officially stop something from happening or being done.
Example: The new law will ban children under 16 from using social media platforms.
Bipartisan (adjective) /ˌbaɪˈpatəzən/: Involving or supported by two major political parties.
Example: The law was passed with bipartisan support in parliament.
Safeguard (verb) /ˈseɪfɡɑd/: To protect someone or something from harm or danger.
Example: The legislation aims to safeguard the mental health of young people.
Push for (phrasal verb) /pʊʃ fə/: To advocate or work hard to achieve something.
Example: The government is pushing for stricter age restrictions on social media.
Cross the floor (idiom) /krɒs ðə flɔ/: When a politician votes against their party.
Example: Two senators crossed the floor to vote against the bill.
Backlash (noun) /ˈbæklæʃ/: A strong negative reaction to something.
Example: The legislation faced backlash from tech companies and experts.
Whirlwind (adjective) /ˈwɜlwɪnd/: Happening very quickly and full of activity.
Example: The law was introduced during a whirlwind week in parliament.
Tread carefully (idiom) /trɛd ˈkɛəfəli/: To act cautiously to avoid mistakes or problems.
Example: Experts warned lawmakers to tread carefully when implementing the new rules.
One-size-fits-all (idiom) /ˈwʌn saɪz fɪts ɔl/: A single solution that is intended to work for everyone, often criticised as being too simplistic.
Example: Critics argued that the law is not a one-size-fits-all solution for young people’s mental health.
Roll out (phrasal verb) /roʊl aʊt/: To introduce or implement something gradually.
Example: The government plans to roll out the new restrictions over the next year.
ARTICLE
Children and teenagers under 16 will be banned from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook starting late next year. This comes after the government passed world-first laws with bipartisan support in parliament. The new legislation aims to safeguard young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Under the law, social media companies must take "reasonable steps" to keep under-16s off their platforms or face fines of up to $50 million. However, young people and parents will not face penalties if they break the rules. Some platforms, such as YouTube (which doesn’t require users to log in), messaging apps, online gaming services, and educational or health-related platforms, are exempt from the ban. Importantly, the legislation also prevents companies from requiring users to provide government identification to verify their age.
A Divisive Debate
The decision to pass the law sparked heated debates in parliament. While the major parties pushed for the legislation to be passed before the end of the parliamentary year, there was significant pushback.
Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Alex Antic crossed the floor to vote against the bill, joining the crossbench. Meanwhile, Liberal MP Bridget Archer sided with the Greens and independents to oppose the bill in the House of Representatives, citing the rushed process. Tech companies also argued for the debate to be delayed until the government finalises its age-verification trial.
The legislation’s introduction followed a whirlwind week. It was tabled in parliament last Thursday, referred for a Senate inquiry the same day, and submissions closed by Friday. A single three-hour public hearing was held on Monday, and the report was presented on Tuesday. Many submissions criticised the short timeframe for consultation, with experts raising concerns about the bill’s potential impacts.
Mixed Reactions from Mental Health Experts
Mental health professionals offered a range of opinions on the ban. Clinical psychologist Danielle Einstein, a vocal supporter of raising the age for social media access, argued that social media provides no mental health benefits for young people. However, other experts, like Nicole Palfrey from Headspace, highlighted the need to balance the harms of social media with its benefits, particularly in fostering connection and offering help-seeking opportunities for young people in rural or remote areas.
Lucy Thomas from anti-bullying group Project Rockit also cautioned against moving too quickly. “We need to tread carefully,” she said, warning that stricter rules might isolate young people further or limit their access to support networks.
Looking Ahead
While the law has been celebrated by some as a critical step toward improving young people’s mental health, others argue it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Labor senator Karen Grogan noted, “Legislation is a necessary tool, but it is not a panacea. We must ensure that young people are at the centre of the conversation to find constructive ways to support them.”
As Australia prepares to implement these changes, the debate will continue over how best to protect young people while respecting their rights and fostering safe spaces for connection.
SOURCE:
This article is based on: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-28/social-media-age-ban-passes-parliament/104647138
