Douglas Shire youth have their say on social media ban

Social Media Bans

Bryan Littlely

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Nanami Anderson, Lani Enoch, Nikita McDonald and Indigo Castro-Clark have their say on social media use and the ban applied to under 16s. Picture: Byron Filmer

Australia's proposed social media ban on people under 16 just became law, with the federal parliament passing legislation to ban people under 16 from having an account with some social media platforms.

The move has copped quite some criticism, even ignoring advice from the Australian Human Rights Commission which said the government rushed the legislation through parliament “without taking the time to get the details right. Or even knowing how the ban will work in practice''.

Before the swift move to bring the ban in place, Newsport asked some local youth about their social media use, habits and how a ban might impact them.

Local Teens from Coral Coast Judo Club have their say on potential social media ban

Name: Nanami Anderson

Age: 16

Social Media Used: Instagram & Snapchat

What do you use social media for: I mostly use social media to talk with friends. It is a good way to see what they are doing and keep in contact with them.

How would a social media ban affect you: I think if there was a ban I would still be able to contact all of my friends. I would just get their phone numbers; it wouldn’t be that hard.

Name: Lani Enoch

Age: 16

Social Media Used: Instagram & Snapchat

What do you use social media for: Usually I just use social media to talk to all of my friends… that’s about it I think. It’s handy as it allows me to contact my friends when we aren’t together especially when we live far apart. That’s why I think social media is more important here since we live in a remote region.

How would a ban affect you: I would honestly just accept it I think. Kids will definitely still find their way around it; but overall I think the ban would be a good thing.

Name: Nikita McDonald

Age: 17

Social Media Used: Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram & Tik Tok

What do you use social media for: I use social media as a way to pass the time mostly, it also helps me contact my friends daily. My social media usage has definitely gotten worse as I’ve gotten older.

How would a ban affect you: Personally, the ban would’ve affected me more if I was I younger than it would now. I think it could’ve stopped me from using social media so much before it got to the amount I use it now. It will be beneficial to younger kids for sure.

Name: Indigo Castro-Clark

Age: 16

Social Media Used: Instagram, Tik Tok & Snapchat

What do you use social media for: I use social media for entertainment, and also communication. I think it can be useful for everyone, especially if there is an emergency it can help you contact someone quickly.

How would a ban affect you: It wouldn’t affect me very much, Communication with my friends would continue regardless. I don’t think the ban would be very effective anyway, kids can just lie about their age, they already do. I know I would find away around the ban. In my opinion 16 is too old… maybe 14 is a better age.

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