Rising concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of children and teenagers have prompted the Labor government to propose a new bill that holds tech companies accountable for allowing minors on their platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to social media as a “scourge” and emphasized the need for these companies to have a social responsibility. He argued that they should not be exempt from regulations that determine who should have access to social media.
Albanese highlighted the harmful effects of overexposure to social media, including social harm and the loss of real-life connections and experiences. He expressed his support for Australian young people and parents, stating that their safety and well-being are of utmost importance. This sentiment was echoed by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who advocated for parental consent and a designated age limit for accessing social media.
The Victorian government is also considering similar legislation, and the federal opposition has pledged its support for any national law addressing this issue. Coalition Leader Peter Dutton stressed the urgency of implementing age limits, arguing that delaying action would leave young children vulnerable to the negative impacts of social media. He emphasized the need to shift the responsibility of enforcing age restrictions from tech companies to the government.
These concerns are not unfounded, as a recent study conducted by Australian youth organization Headspace revealed that 37 percent of young people attributed their declining mental well-being to social media. The CEO of Headspace, Jason Trethowan, acknowledged that while there are some benefits to accessing social media, excessive usage can lead to increased pressure and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. The study also highlighted other negative impacts, including cyberbullying, sleep disturbances, and body image concerns.
In response to these concerns, parents have initiated a grassroots movement called the Wait Mate campaign. Inspired by a similar movement in the United States, this campaign encourages parents to pledge to keep their children off smartphones until at least high school age. Co-founders Jessica Mendoza-Roth and Amy Friedlander emphasized the importance of parents standing together on this issue and creating a supportive community that challenges the norm of early smartphone usage in Australian primary schools.
Overall, the proposed legislation and grassroots movements like the Wait Mate campaign reflect the growing recognition of the detrimental effects of social media on the well-being of young people. By holding tech companies accountable and empowering parents to make informed decisions about their children’s social media usage, Australia aims to prioritize the safety and mental health of its youth.
