The Australian Government - Federal and some States - are currently considering a social media ban for children under the age of 16. This concept is multi faceted and unfortunately NOT as simple as it looks.
Our thoughts? We're pleased it's a conversation that is taking place BUT we are concerned it is not being well thought out and there is no such thing as a one size fits all solution.
ZOWN offers a great alternative for younger children to be part of an online community, receive and share information and importantly be part of a POSITIVE online community that will help them. Unfortunately most, if not all social media platforms are not built on positivity and rather a dopamine infused algorithm designed to increase hours on their platforms and hence raise revenue.
We don't think an age ban is the right solution for social media here in Australia. An age ban won't necessarily stop children accessing social media, but it WILL stop them discussing distressing content they see with a trusted adult.
An age ban will take away a lifeline for some children, particularly if they are not geographically close to other like-minded people. Then there are the kids who use social media for mental health advice and assistance.
There is also the fundamental question of how we define social media? Which apps get banned? How is it monitored? Who does the monitoring? What's the consequence of ignoring this ban?
There are way more questions than answers. All we know is that as parents, we would like pressure put back on the social media companies to change their algorithms and to monitor their content to make it age appropriate and suitable for children.
At a recent Social Media Summit co-hosted by the NSW and South Australian governments, a Youth Summit was held with kids workshopping their thoughts on the current situation and their potential solutions. Their key summations were that they didn't want an age ban (that bit's obvious!) but they do want a positive algorithm and governments to have the ability to remove harmful content.
While it's easy to dismiss 'what the kids think', it's imperative that we listen. Generations Z and Alpha are educated, connected and dynamic. They are growing up in a digital generation through no fault of their own. If we can listen to them, nurture them and show them we care, they will thrive.
We encourage parents to role model positive online health; to discuss what kids see via social and mainstream media and to encourage healthy critical thinking of the content they are exposed to. Is it true? Is it from a reputable source? And when it comes to social media; is it necessary? Does it make you feel good? Is it kind?