Australia le desea plantar cara al uso de las redes sociales y plantea un plan de prohibición para aplicaciones como TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Youtube para los menos de 16 años. La medida ha sido presentada por Anthony Albanesea y eSafety Commisioner, junto a Anika Wells. Realmente buscan salvaguardar la seguridad de los jóvenes australianos. Esta medida, además, supone poner unos límites en los que cada vez en más difícil salvaguardar la seguridad de los más jóvenes en el amplio mundo de internet.
The Internet and its possibilities are practically endless
The Internet and its options are practically enfinitives less, and that reality is growing worrying people, especially because of the unlimited way in many minors have to social media. Currently, Australia has banned minors under 16 from getting access YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). It’s a difficult decision that not everyone is happy with it, and many believe it will be as effective as trying to put gates in an open field.
Anika Wells, Australia’s Minister for Communications, stated the following:
“We are implementing these rules and this law on behalf of parents, who want and deserve greater online protection for their children. We want children to know who they are before platforms define them, which is why I want to be clear about YouTube.”
This decision aims to “keep young Australians safe.”
A decision that seeks to “keep young Australians safe”
Strong words from the minister, who underlines that “it’s undeniable that four out of ten Australian children report their most recent harm occurred on YouTube.” In addtion, being conscious of the severity of the ban, Anika Wells explained: “I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian children—a fight that the parents standing with me have tragic reasons to pursue with fearless determination.”
At the end, the minister made it clear that “there is no perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safe online, but minimum age laws for social media will make a significant difference.”
Other cases of phone bans for young people
Moray Council is the latest local authority to prohibit the use of devices across its primary and secondary schools, read on to get to know hoy school are implementing phone banning.
It is hoped the move will reduce disruption in classrooms, as well as stop some incidents of bullying. In primary schools, mobiles and personal devices will not be allowed in school. And in secondary schools, students will need to keep phones switched off and out of sight during the day. The new policy would have exemptions for medical use such as diabetes monitoring.
The blanket ban will come into force from August this year and follows a consultation involving parents, carers, pupils and school staff. A total of 73 per cent of 3,283 people who completed the survey supported the ban. The council stated that parents and staff it consulted in the survey strongly back the ban, but pupils did not. Councillors against the move raised concerns about pupils needing to be contacted regarding late transport or family issues.
However, the move was voted through on the basis the policy will be reviewed in 12 months. Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We recognise that mobile devices are a part of everyday life and can enhance learning and teaching.
Answers to questions
The example set by the Australian government highlights the importance of looking after young people’s health and their relationship with social media. It represents a global step forward, and this new proposal raises questions about whether it represents a drastic change. The case of the Scottish school also advocates safeguarding and caring for its students’ relationship with mobile phone use. We can only wait and see how these unanswered questions evolve, but they will only be answered if action is taken.