Social media crackdown looms in one Aussie state—here's what you need to know

Social media has become deeply embedded in our daily lives, with around 20.80 million people in Australia actively using various social media platforms.

While this digital engagement fosters connectivity and shapes consumer behaviour, it also raises concerns about data privacy, mental health, and the spread of misinformation.

In a bold and unprecedented move, South Australia is poised to become the first state to impose a ban on social media usage for teenagers, a decision that has sparked a nationwide conversation about the impact of these platforms on the younger generation's mental health.



The state's Premier, Peter Malinauskas, has taken a firm stance on the issue, citing the need to protect the emotional and mental welfare of the younger generation from the potential dangers of social media, including bullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content.

The proposed legislation would prohibit those under 14 from using popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and require parental consent for those aged 14 and 15.


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South Australia is considering a ban on social media for teenagers within the state. Image source: Pexels



The Premier said: ‘Like most parents, I am concerned about the impact social media is having on children in our community.’

‘I am determined to ensure as a government we are doing everything that we can to protect our children,’ he added.

This radical initiative has garnered support from figures like Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie, who has made a striking comparison between social media addiction and the use of an 'ice pipe'.



Lambie's comments reflect a growing concern over the addictive nature of these platforms and their potential to fuel violent and anti-social behaviour among the youth.

Studies have consistently linked excessive social media use to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly in young people whose brains are still developing.

The South Australian government's decision is informed by such research, as well as disturbing trends that have emerged in schools across the country.

Incidents of 'lacking', where students perform degrading or explicit acts on each other and post them online, have raised alarms about the influence of social media on youth behaviour.

The eSafety Commissioner's report from last year, which received 2,383 reports of cyberbullying, with the majority involving children aged between 12 to 15, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.



Premier Malinauskas describes the proposed ban as a ‘very significant and ambitious move to limit the harm of social media’ on the younger generation.

Former High Court Chief Justice Robert French AC has been appointed by the government to determine the best approach to enforcing the ban, although the implementation timeline has not been set yet.

It's important to note that social media apps like Facebook and Instagram already have age restrictions in place, requiring users to be at least 13 years old.

However, these rules are challenging to enforce, and the proposed legislation in South Australia would take these restrictions a step further.

The move by South Australia has drawn parallels with international efforts to protect children from the potential harms of social media.



For instance, the American state of Florida passed a bill in March that will make it illegal for children under the age of 14 to have a social media account.

As we watch South Australia take these bold steps, it begs the question: will other Australian states follow suit?

The conversation around social media regulation is gaining momentum, and it's clear that the well-being of the next generation is at the forefront of this debate.

You can watch the Premier’s announcement here:


Source: ABC News (Australia)/YouTube​

Key Takeaways

  • South Australia is planning to ban social media for children under the age of 14 to protect their mental wellbeing.
  • The ban is aimed at addressing concerns over bullying and exploitation, as well as links to poor mental health like anxiety and depression.
  • There will also be a requirement for parental consent for social media use by children aged 14 and 15.
  • Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie supports the move, highlighting the negative effects of social media on young people's behaviour.
Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Do you believe that a social media ban is the right approach to safeguard your grandchildren’s mental health? Or do you think there are better ways to manage the risks associated with these platforms? Share your opinions in the comments below!
 
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So since he was two or three he's known he was transgender, clever little fella.
Most of these young children have never even heard of this until some "adult" puts the idea in their head.
Two of our grandsons are gay, both say they were in their late teens/early twenties before they actually accepted this, one was even engaged and had been living with his girlfriend for three years.
The families are all accepting of this so it has nothing to do with any family pressure, etc.
My daughters best friend since first year of high school is gay. She married and had a son when she was 23. It lasted two years and she left because she knew she was a lesbian.
I'm like her second mother and when I asked her if she just realised and she said when she was 18 she questioned herself. She loved her husband but not sexually. She has now been in a relationship with a woman for 4 years and very happy. Her family disowned her.
 
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Notice how many people attend Mardi Gra every year from all parts of the world and don't attendees and watchers look happy and it's so correct that most would love to change places with NORMAL people especially the fear they live with because of the idiots who believe in GAY BASHING.
I think gay bashing was left in the 80s. I don't believe it is still happening today
 
THANK YOU FOR THIS XXXX I sharefarmed with a female I worked with. My kids decided I must be gay AND I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM SINCE. I miss my kids, grandkids and great-grandkids but am not responsible for the warped ideas of their parents.
So do you kids not see you because you are gay or because they think you are ? Very sad 😔
 
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I feel sorry for your husband. He will miss out on so much, especially the grandson. My favourite grandson used to help me milk Katy the cow when he was 3. Even had his own milking stool. We were so close that even today I have his photo in the unit and my purse so he's with me always. While growing up I remember that if you asked someone how they were you often got the reply "HAPPY AND GAY". It meant they were having a wonderful day. It really upsets me to see how the know-alls are trying to change the meaning of words...I'm still trying to work out "woke".
Why don't you try and reach out ? Things maybe different now and who knows what your grandchildren were told.
You won't lose anything by reaching out and you may gain alot .
 
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I can't see any way that ban would be 'policeable' to enforce it ... and what would they do if a young person WAS caught? However, I strongly support the intent behind the initiative, just can't see how it would work in the 'real' world. Also, there's the fact that saying to young teenagers "you are banned from social media" is definitely going to add to its appeal to those that they are attempting to ban. It just turns the concept of 'social' into 'naughty' ... and viewing 'naughty-media' must be great, right?

***(edit) I just had to scroll up to double-check that I was replying to the right post after looking at other comments. I thought that I might have inadvertently switched to a post about 'gender diversity/transgender/gay' issues in children without realising it!
 
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What a fantastic idea. Kids need to be protected from themselves. They don't seem to have the capacity to stop looking even when it is destructive to do so. If it is taken out of their hands, it could likely alleviate som serious problems
Yes I agree but take offence to your headline “one state may be banning social media like facebook” this sounds like a ban for all South Australians not just young people
 
Why are parents not doing their job. As a country we are overregulated, we need to take responsibility for our own decision making. It shouldn't be up to the government, it's up to the parents to teach their children about life choices.
But clear that's just not working anymore
 
My daughters best friend since first year of high school is gay. She married and had a son when she was 23. It lasted two years and she left because she knew she was a lesbian.
I'm like her second mother and when I asked her if she just realised and she said when she was 18 she questioned herself. She loved her husband but not sexually. She has now been in a relationship with a woman for 4 years and very happy. Her family disowned her.
I was going to give your comment a Like until I read your last sentence. So unbelievably sad. I just don’t understand how family can be so cruel. At least she’s had you as the mother she should have had.
 
I was going to give your comment a Like until I read your last sentence. So unbelievably sad. I just don’t understand how family can be so cruel. At least she’s had you as the mother she should have had.
She is from a Lebonese Moslem family. She is a beautiful girl. Apart from my daughter and Fatts there are two other girls. The four of them are like sisters, been friends since year 7 and they are now 35.

They get together every two weeks. One of the girls just got through cancer , she loss her leg up to the hip. The girls were her strength and Fatts said this opens your eyes to real problems
 
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She is from a Lebonese Moslem family. She is a beautiful girl. Apart from my daughter and Fatts there are two other girls. The four of them are like sisters, been friends since year 7 and they are now 35.

They get together every two weeks. One of the girls just got through cancer , she loss her leg up to the hip. The girls were her strength and Fatts said this opens your eyes to real problems
Sometimes it takes a tragedy to prioritise life and give us perspective. Your daughter and her friends are so fortunate to have each other that they can count on! ❤️
 
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It would be more to the point if they ban violent video games that kids learn the voilence from. Also reducing access to violent movies. I think do more harm than social media.
 

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