Is the social media ban worth it?

On Tuesday 10th September 2024, the Albanese Government announced a proposed law to ban social media for minors. It has sparked a range of opinions and reactions, from unequivocal rage to unwavering support.

Supporters argue that a ban will support children’s mental and physical education whilst critics staunchly believe that a ban infringes on young people’s fundamental right to expression. As a young person who uses social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, a ban could change the way I interact with my peers and see the world.

While this l

aw remains in the Bill process and is not yet legislation, it is imperative that the public analyses the pros and cons of such a proposition.

This proposal has exposed a generational divide.

Even though the Albanese Labour Government proposed the Bill, it has gained bipartisan support. It has support from parents who believe kids should be off their phones, studying, playing sport, supporting their mental and physical health whilst bolstering their social skills.

Albanese asserted that “enough is enough” and “parents are worried sick” despite protective measures in place to govern minors on social media. A ban may not rectify these issues. Yes, they want “kids off their phones and on the footy field”, but what if they are? I am a full-time student, playing sports 6 days a week, and involved in extracurriculars such as Youth Parliament and Model UN. There are so many young people like me, so what happens to us that use social media to unwind or stay in touch with friends after a long day?

A teacher I spoke to believes schools need to be doing more to educate students on social media usage. Stating that there are other avenues for students to connect and collaborate on; he conceded that the Bill is vague as to what gets affected and to what extent. As a father of two he articulated that “our lives have been symbiotically entwined with the internet and devices and social media as a part of that” proclaiming that young people will be able to connect without the internet, believing a ban will encourage other modes of connection.

When asked whether he supports a ban or a tightening of regulations he declared “if a flat out ban comes as part of that regulation… [he] would be supportive of a ban.” Despite this viewpoint likely being shared by many, this Bill has critics.

Perhaps, social media doesn’t need to be banned, but students need to be educated on its use.

The Greens oppose this Bill, arguing a ban would not keep young people safe. Instead, would exacerbate the harm caused by excluding them from “meaningful” digital participation. Labelling it “knee jerk politics [lacking] evidence and expert support.” They criticise the government for failing to listen to experts, including the e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant who reportedly does not support the ban. Instead, the Greens are advocating for a platform-neutral approach rather than age-based restrictions. They aim to regulate tech giants by banning predatory algorithms targeting young people, prohibiting data harvesting and restricting targeted advertising.

Some data privacy experts have also voiced concerns about a ban, arguing it infringes on young people’s right to freedom of expression. The additional verification methods raise concerns about data protection and potential misuse of personal information. Professor Daniel Angus labelled the proposal “reckless,” “populist,” and a “misguided distraction”, with his criticism stemming from the argument that a ban could drive younger users to “lower quality spaces” removing an important means of social connection. Additionally, The Guardian has raised questions including about age verification, enforcement and the relating legal framework, all yet to be answered.

How about the youth? The people this Bill will affect.

Tutor Abi Pethe, who works with young people and was 16 years old during lockdown stated that social media was the only way for him to “stay connected with his mates”, expressing that “there shouldn’t be any ban [as kids have to be exposed to] these things… it is a changing world so kids have to change with it… as if [he] turned 17 with no exposure beforehand that [would change] things”.

Students themselves believe that the ban would be redundant as even though social media isn’t critical in day to day life, a ban would only be imposed in pre VCE years, meaning that it would have little to no effect on the productivity/results of students.

Overall, there are multiple sides in this debate, with everyone from politicians, experts and students wanting to have their voices not only heard but listened to.

While social media is not the perfect place, a ban is not the answer.

Hear our voices, the youth of today, hear us and listen to us, work with us rather than simply banning what brings so many of us joy after a long day.