Social media ban (under 16)

[New World Explorer]

Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media, after its Senate approved the world's strictest laws.

The ban - which will not take effect for at least 12 months - could see tech companies fined up to A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) if they don't comply.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the legislation is needed to protect young people from the "harms" of social media, something many parent groups have echoed.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89vjj0lxx9o

[BLEmom]

It will be interesting to see how this works. People have a way of getting around these things. Like fake accounts. 
Jehovahs people would of course comply with Caesar’s laws. 

[dljbsp]

While the intent of this legislation to protect children from social media harm is commendable, it misplaces accountability by penalizing corporations instead of empowering parents. Parents must take responsibility for their children’s online activities, setting boundaries and educating them on safe usage. By shifting this responsibility to corporations, the government risks undermining the vital role of parents.

 

This overreach raises broader concerns about where it could lead. If the government takes control over social media use for children, what’s next? Will parents lose the right to make critical decisions about their child’s education, medical care, or discipline? For example, parents who conscientiously seek bloodless surgery for their children could face challenges if governments decide such decisions should be dictated by policy. Governments could even impose restrictions on dietary choices, technology use, or homeschooling, further eroding parental authority.

 

Additionally, this ban could create unintended problems for youth who are shielded entirely from social media until age 16, only to face an overwhelming “onslaught” of exposure at a later age. Without parental guidance and gradual training, young people may struggle to adjust to the social dynamics of platforms suddenly introduced into their lives. Social media, like other social structures, is best introduced incrementally under parental supervision, much like the gradual social exposure children experience when entering pre-kindergarten or first grade. Training must remain in the parents’ hands to prepare their children for these transitions.

 

As Christians, we respect governmental authority, recognizing that laws serve an important role in maintaining order. Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God.” However, this respect is balanced with Acts 5:29, where the apostles declared, “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” If laws promote, require, or encourage actions that conflict with God’s principles, we remain faithful to Jehovah while respectfully addressing such situations.

 

A more balanced approach would empower parents with education, tools, and resources, while making them accountable for their children’s activities—not penalizing corporations for what should be parental responsibilities. Protecting children requires collaboration, not government overreach, and parental responsibility should remain central to this effort.

 

[Amygdala]

I watched this interview passively while doing a run around of chores at home. It was very sad what ended up happening to this girl, and apparently similar situations in Australia are calling on government legislation intervention.

 

One noteworthy thing the mother said was that giving her daughter access to social media was like giving her a weapon. Whatsapp, for example, has a minimum age of 13. Parents who allow their under 13 year old child to have Whatsapp should be making regular checks on it. But even if children are older, I think a condition for having the phone is that parents should be able to access and read what‘s on it and at any time. Lots of emotional problems are plaguing this generation of kids who have access to social media.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WWlgbmNIhE&t=547s

 

[Ahuvah]

5 hours ago, New World Explorer said:

Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media, after its Senate approved the world's strictest laws.

The ban - which will not take effect for at least 12 months - could see tech companies fined up to A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) if they don't comply.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the legislation is needed to protect young people from the "harms" of social media, something many parent groups have echoed.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89vjj0lxx9o

I'll say my goodbyes in a year then. 

[Jwanon]

brain rot will decrease 200%

[Shawnster]

Yet another unenforceable law. 

[Tortuga]

20 hours ago, New World Explorer said:

Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media,

How do the witness families in your area feel about the law?

[New World Explorer]

4 hours ago, Tortuga said:

How do the witness families in your area feel about the law?

I have no idea, this government's decision is still fresh and had no opportunity to ask anyone about it. 

But what I gather from the news, the ban has a lot of support from Australians in general. 

 

[Dages]

On 11/29/2024 at 4:02 PM, Jwanon said:

brain rot will decrease 200%

Yes, that's good

[Ostria]

I'd be for banning social media for anyone under the age of 18 here in the states. Atleast you could probably make some type of KYC to ensure children cannot get on social media. There are SO many dangers on social media itw crazy. Ive even seen people on Twitter telling youngins to not talk to their parents about various things. The anti parent movement is crazy right now. Ignorr the spoiler thing, i was gonna say something but decided against it.

Spoiler

 

 

[LeolaRootStew]

On 11/28/2024 at 3:14 PM, dljbsp said:

While the intent of this legislation to protect children from social media harm is commendable, it misplaces accountability by penalizing corporations instead of empowering parents. Parents must take responsibility for their children’s online activities, setting boundaries and educating them on safe usage. By shifting this responsibility to corporations, the government risks undermining the vital role of parents.

 

You could say the same thing about legal drinking ages being left up to each parent. Alcohol is bad for young minds and studies show that social media is the same. I'm not advocating either position, but it is a logical concern for a society to have.