Algorithms which intensify polarisation harm young and malleable minds the most. If digital platforms won\u2019t self-regulate \u2013 the government needs to step in<\/p>\n
I support the Albanese government\u2019s proposal to impose an age ban on social media overall, and surprisingly, so do many young people. A survey of 14- to 29-year-olds<\/a> found that 42% of those surveyed were positive about the idea, with 25% neutral. But as a standalone action, a ban will not be the intended elixir for the real issue at hand.<\/p>\n The reality is there have always been various age restrictions on platforms, and since I signed up for Facebook at age 11, they\u2019ve been a breeze to get around. I have doubts this will change as laws will never be able to keep up with the agility of digital natives. I also have concerns that without adequate education of why<\/em> a ban is being imposed, and without alternatives for teens to socialise online, <\/strong>this may drive children to deeper parts of the web that are decentralised, and growing.<\/p>\n