South Australia took a stand earlier this year on kids and social media. Now things have kicked into high gear, and the whole country’s getting involved.
In May, South Australia announced its intention to explore ways to keep under-14s off social media and require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. This move was prompted by growing concerns from experts, educators, and parents about the potential negative impacts of social media on children’s mental health and development.
Fast forward to September, and the Government of South Australia has released a groundbreaking 276-page report by Robert French AC, former Chief Justice of the High Court. The French Report outlines a potential legislative framework to address these concerns.
Key points of the proposed legislation
The report suggests a Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024 that could:
- Prevent access to social media platforms for under-14s.
- Require parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to use social media platforms.
- Make social media companies responsible for blocking children from accessing their platforms.
- Set up a watchdog to keep these companies in line – with some hefty fines if they don’t comply and legal action if they cause children harm.
The proposed ban would provide exemptions for beneficial or low-risk social media services, such as educational platforms. It’s important to note that these are suggested measures, subject to further consultation and review.
Want to help your child stay safe online? Read our top tips for cyber safety.
Going national: The big news
SA took this plan to our national counterparts, including states and territories, arguing the proposed South Australian legislative model is not only suitable for all jurisdictions but also desperately needed to safeguard our kid’s mental health.
The result? The federal government is now all in, and the Federal Government has committed to introducing national legislation informed by the French report to ban social media for children.
Why this matters
Social media can be a minefield for adults, let alone kids with brains that are still developing. The scientific evidence is clear – social media is causing our children harm. This legislative move is about protecting young Australians from the potential dangers of the digital world.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and Facebook are now a part of daily life for most young Australians. But with that comes problems like cyberbullying, online harassment, sextortion and disinformation.
A recent survey by Australian mental health service ReachOut found social media is the number one issue of concern among parents and carers of children. Fifty-nine per cent were concerned about their child’s use of social media and 55 per cent said social media had a significant impact on their child’s wellbeing.
What’s next?
While South Australia was ready to go solo if necessary, the state government’s preference has always been to collaborate. Our state and federal governments are now cooperating to draft legislation to enforce a minimum age for access to social media nationwide. The inaugural Social Media Summit is coming up in Sydney and Adelaide on 10-11 October, bringing together experts from various sectors to discuss the complex issues surrounding social media regulation.
Your voice matters!
The South Australian government is inviting the public to share their thoughts and experiences with social media through an online survey. This feedback will inform discussions at the summit and help shape strategies for a safer online environment for young people.
Are you struggling or do you know someone who is? Make sure to reach out to one of the many mental health services available:
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
LifeLine: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
SA mental health services register
