Editorial: Social media age limit still crucial despite obvious workarounds
Would the same nay-sayers scoffing at our social media age limit think there is no need to have an age limit for consuming alcohol, asks the editor.
There is a refrain gaining traction that suggests there is no point in the Australian government banning under-16s from using social media because they will find a way around it. Well, duh. Welcome to the world – one where there are rules, and it is up to individuals to decide whether to abide by them.
Would the same nay-sayers think there is no need to have an age limit of 18 in place for consuming alcohol because under-18s can easily find a way around it?
How about the rules on wearing seatbelts, driving under the influence, speeding, or running a red light? They are all pretty easy to get around, too.
No, this lie that is so often repeated by those who should know better is simply doing the job of the tech giants who want to fuel scepticism so they can continue to make money from the harm being done to our young people.
The under-16s social media ban that will come into force from December 10 in Australia is a world-leading policy that other nations are watching closely. Expect many – including the European Union – to follow through with their own laws within months.
It is the direct result of a campaign The Courier-Mail and its sister mastheads have been running now for the past year and half. Its aim is to protect young people from the bullying that social media platforms fuel – and to save lives. Too many kids have killed themselves as a result.
Yes, the ban will be one most digitally literate kids (that is, all of them) can get around if they want. But they can also find the key to their parents’ liquor cabinet (as if any of us lock it up at home).
This ban will instead arm parents with the same messages they now give to their kids on underage drinking: to abide by the law, and if you don’t at least let me monitor your exposure.
Still do not believe there is a need for this ban? Try listening to Australian mother Emma Mason, who brought world leaders to their feet at the United Nations overnight on Wednesday as she implored other countries to follow Australia’s lead.
Ms Mason told how her 15-year-old daughter Matilda “Tilly” Rosewarne died after relentless online bullying and how other young lives could be saved by giving children three extra years to develop before allowing them access to social media.
Her extraordinary speech was lauded by the European Commission President who praised her bravery, and the Prime Minister of Greece who embraced the Aussie mum after his own address at Australia’s event.
Ms Mason said: “Social media played a direct role in her death – Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, they all played their dirty part. Of course, Tilly’s pain was over but for everyone who loved her, our daily pain never ends.”
And she went on: “We’re the first country to do this but Australia only has 1.2 million kids aged between 13 and 15 – what about the 226m children of that age around the rest of the world, don’t they also deserve protecting?
“The only way to stop this harm is to hit these corporations in their hip pocket because they’ve known about it and they’ve done nothing, much like the tobacco companies of old. I implore leaders and nations of our great world to act but act now, making it illegal for children to access social media under 16 will improve lives. It will save lives.”
We could not agree more. And we applaud the government again.
NICE GUY FINISHES FIRST
Of all the Brisbane Lions stories we write, the one that resonates with our readers more than any other are those on coach Chris Fagan. And it’s not hard to see why. In an era of fleeting loyalty and inflated egos, Fagan is a beacon of what it means to be grounded and authentic, as is revealed in our exclusive interview with his wife Ursula today.
His humility and determination, nurtured by his late father, an electrician who worked down the mines in Queenstown, is something every hardworking Queenslander can relate to. He’s a composed, relationship-building leader whose ability to unite a club is a testament to his strong work ethic and honest nature.
This isn’t just about a footy team; it’s about a man who knew he had done nothing wrong and resiliently faced the Hawthorn racism allegations, with the support of his family and close circle.
Fagan’s journey with the Lions is a powerful example of investment and patience. He invested in young players who are now key leaders, like co-captain Harris Andrews, who Fagan leant on from day one.
This respect between Fagan and his boys makes their success all the more meaningful. He has led the Lions to seven consecutive finals series, turning them into a unified, happy club. That’s a good story, and it’s one about to get a whole lot better when (not if) the Lions beat Geelong on Sunday to become back-to-back AFL premiers.
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here
