A group of leading experts has warned the Federal government that its proposal to ban social media for children is “too blunt” and would not address some key risks facing children.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state premiers, the Australian Child Rights Taskforce said any restrictions on the digital world must be designed with care and should acknowledge the role it plays in childhood.
“We understand the risks that social media has for children and young people, and these are well documented. Addressing those risks requires a careful and evidence-based response that acknowledges the role that the digital world plays in contemporary childhood,” the letter reads.
“The online world is a place where children and young people access information, build social and technical skills, connect with family and friends, learn about the world around them and relax and play. These opportunities are important for children, advancing children’s rights and strengthening development and the transition to adulthood.
“Any restrictions in the digital world must therefore be designed with care and we are concerned that a ‘ban’ is too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.”
The letter lists six key concerns that the experts have about a blanket ban on social media for children, and argues that a “careful”, “evidence-based” response to the risks is required.
It said a blanket ban on under-16s would be a disincentive for tech companies from making social media platforms safer for children, and this would negatively impact the children who slip through the cracks of ineffective age assurances.
It also noted that placing responsibility on parents to provide consent for their children without adequate guidance and support, is unfair.
The Australian Child Rights Taskforce is the peak body for child rights in Australia and is made up of more than 100 organisations, including Save the Children, Project Rockit, Human Rights Law Centre and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
It comes ahead of a two-day social media summit being held by the New South Wales and South Australian governments this week.
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook manager who went on to become a whistleblower will be a keynote speaker at the summit. She has indicated her support for a ban for children until at least 14 years.
A survey released by the NSW government last week showed support from parents on age restrictions.
Currently, the Albanese government has committed to imposing a minimum age for teenagers accessing social media and will introduce legislation before the next election. The government has not yet specified what that age will be.
Albanese has asked state and territory leaders to inform the federal government of their preferred cut off ages and whether an age limit should be grandfathered in to avoid kicking off existing users.