{"id":317158,"date":"2025-11-25T03:54:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T03:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/social-media-ban-for-kids-experts-call-for-caution\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T03:54:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T03:54:27","slug":"social-media-ban-for-kids-experts-call-for-caution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=317158","title":{"rendered":"Social Media Ban for Kids: Experts Call for Caution"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
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As Australia prepares to enforce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 from December 10, Monash University experts say the policy, described as a child-safety measure, may produce consequences far more complicated than the government has acknowledged.<\/p>\n
Across sociology, psychology, education, law and technology, researchers agree on one point: the ban may be well-intentioned, but the realities of how young people use digital platforms suggest its impact could be uneven, disruptive and, for some, harmful.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Social Media Ban:<\/strong> A Push Into the Shadows<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Associate Professor Brady Robards<\/strong>, a sociologist who studies youth and digital culture, says the ban risks pushing young people into less regulated online spaces while closing off crucial channels for support and connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarginalised young people \u2013 those in rural areas, with disabilities, or LGBTQIA+ \u2013 often rely on social media for belonging,\u201d he notes. He also points to limited consultation with young people themselves and argues that more nuanced platform governance is needed, not blunt exclusion.<\/p>\n
Parents on the Front Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n
For parents, the transition may be emotionally charged. Professor Marie Yap<\/strong>, a psychologist and parenting expert, warns that many children will experience anxiety or grief as platforms they depend on for self-expression and connection suddenly become off-limits.<\/p>\n
She urges parents to approach conversations with empathy and preparation: \u201cBefore even raising the topic, do your research,\u201d she says, recommending the eSafety Commissioner as a starting point. Tone matters, too\u2014judgement or forcefulness may drive young people to hide their online experiences at a time when openness is essential.<\/p>\n
For some families, she adds, this may be the first real conversation about online life. \u201cPause before reacting. You don\u2019t want to shut that door.\u201d<\/p>\n
Queer Youth at Higher Risk of Isolation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Legal scholar Professor Paula Gerber<\/strong> raises concern about what the ban means for LGBTQIA+ youth, who disproportionately turn to online spaces for mental health support, identity exploration and community.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost three-quarters of young trans Australians say social media makes them feel better about themselves,\u201d she says. Cutting off those lifelines especially in rural or unsupportive environments may deepen isolation and remove access to affirming communities.<\/p>\n
Gerber also warns that the ban may conflict with children\u2019s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including freedom of expression and access to information.<\/p>\n
\u2018Forbidden Fruit\u2019 and the Limits of Prohibition<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Associate Professor Eric Windholz<\/strong>, from the Faculty of Law, describes the ban as \u201ca new high-water mark in the state\u2019s paternalism,\u201d noting the irony that while the government suggests parents cannot manage digital use, the ban ultimately relies on parental enforcement.<\/p>\n
He predicts a classic \u201cforbidden fruit\u201d effect: many children will seek ways around the restrictions, creating opportunities for malicious actors. \u201cProhibition has a poor track record,\u201d he cautions.<\/p>\n
Banning Isn\u2019t Teaching<\/strong><\/h3>\n
From the Faculty of Education, Dr Clare Southerton<\/strong> stresses that bans don\u2019t equip young people with the digital literacy they need to stay safe. Without evidence that bans reduce online harm, she argues, Australia risks delaying children\u2019s ability to learn critical digital skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to your children,\u201d she says. \u201cBuild trust so they come to you when something goes wrong.\u201d And she urges parents to take seriously the emotional impact of losing digital social spaces, which for many have replaced the freedoms previous generations experienced offline.<\/p>\n
A Call for Industry Accountability<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Professor Jon Rouse<\/strong>, of the AiLECS Lab and a former senior law-enforcement leader, welcomes the shift in responsibility from families to tech platforms\u2014but says this moment must mark more than just restricting access.<\/p>\n
For years, he argues, tech companies were warned about the harms unfolding on their platforms but responded \u201cpiecemeal and reactively.\u201d He sees the new laws as a necessary correction to an industry that prioritised growth over safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legacy of December 10 should be measurable improvements in children\u2019s mental health and safety,\u201d he says, \u201cnot simply that they were kept off certain platforms.\u201d<\/p>\nPhoto by Vitaly Gariev<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
What Parents Can Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Do Your Homework First<\/strong><\/p>\n
2. Start Conversations With Empathy<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Approach discussions without judgement or force.<\/li>\n
Validate your child\u2019s feelings\u2014anger, anxiety, or grief are natural reactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Focus on Connection, Not Control<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Encourage safe digital habits instead of simply restricting access.<\/li>\n
Ask open-ended questions about their online experiences and friendships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. Watch for Influences<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Recognise that friends, influencers, and public figures shape opinions.<\/li>\n
Use that insight to guide thoughtful, non-confrontational discussions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. Build Digital Resilience<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Teach children critical thinking about online content, privacy, and interactions.<\/li>\n
Model healthy social media use yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
6. Keep Offline Support Strong<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Maintain safe spaces for your child to express themselves.<\/li>\n
Offer alternatives for social connection if online access is restricted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As Australia prepares to enforce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 from December 10, Monash University experts say the policy, described as a child-safety measure, may produce consequences far more complicated than the government has acknowledged. Across sociology, psychology, education, law and technology, researchers agree on one point: the ban may be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":317159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88,12447],"tags":[11347,1254,13147,11595,351,10999,10974],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-317158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-social-media","tag-ban","tag-call","tag-caution","tag-experts","tag-kids","tag-media","tag-social"],"yoast_head":"\n
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