Albo’ social media ban is attracting global criticism. As it should. The guy has the intellectual depth of a gnat and policy process to match:
The government doesn’t identify what social media platforms the youth ban would apply to (Can children message their parents on WhatsApp? Or watch Khan Academy’s Algebra tutorials on YouTube?).
It also doesn’t offer specifics on enforcement (Big Brother-esque digital IDs? Further criminalizing children, this time for opening TikTok?).
And in the absence of substantive policies, it’s hard not to see this as a soundbite-y proposal to signal concern to voting parents on a popular issue ahead of an election year — without actually accomplishing anything to keep children safe.
…Young people have shown remarkable prowess for finding workarounds — even those under the age of 13 whom most platforms already prohibit.
Completely shutting off access to digital communities can also sever lifelines for some young people, especially those from marginalized groups.
TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a popular platform for Indigenous Australians, allowing them a space where they share everything from budget-friendly recipes to relatable responses to racism.
Indigenous youth in remote areas who may not see their stories reflected in traditional media can feel less isolated. LGBTQ+ advocates in Australia have raised similar concerns about a potential loss of connections for vulnerable queer teens if the ban takes effect.
More broadly, tech researchers warn that excluding young people from social media platforms will just drive them to darker, even less regulated corners of the web.
This isn’t about helping children. It’s about helping a sinking Anthony Albanese as he copies Peter Dutton’s equally stupid proposal.
I mean, how hard is it to get a VPN?
How about Albo and the Bollard cease their total war on children?
- tax reform to reduce house prices;
- slash immigration for the same and increase access and wages for entry-level jobs;
- massively boost TAFE training;
- tax cuts for income and increases for assets;
- increase study and unemployment benefits;
- increase rental subsidies;
- tax non-renewing resources properly and save the money in an SWF for future generations;
- crush the gas cartel to restore the energy transition and fight climate change.
Yeh, nah. Just pretend to ban Facebook.
That’ll fix it.
