Detail in new social media ban law that has Aussies talking
Australia's incoming social media ban for children under 16 has got people talking this week as more details emerge about the world-leading policy.
The ban aims to block children under 16 from using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and Reddit when it is introduced in December.
As the date approaches, more details are being released about how it will be enforced, and one particular detail shared by Australia's eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant has caught Aussies' attention.
'I should be clear that there will no penalties for those underage children who gain access to an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers who may enable this earlier access,' Dr Inman Grant told the National Press Club earlier this week.
She said that rather than penalising children who breach the ban, there would be 'heavy penalties' for companies that allow such breaches.
'Companies who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent underage account holders onto their services (face penalties) of up to $49.5 million per breach,' she said.
'This world-leading legislation seeks to shift the burden of reducing harm away from parents and carers and back onto the companies themselves - the companies who own and run these platforms and profit from Australian children.'
Dr Inman Grant's comments went viral with Australians immediately questioning how the ban can be effective if there are no consequences for the children it affects, or their parents.
When news.com.au hit the streets in Sydney to ask Aussies their thoughts, there was some agreement the buck should stop with the tech companies, but many had the same question as commenters online.
'Can you flip it around and put the consequences on the companies that are meant to ensure these children aren't on there?' said one Sydney man.
When asked if he thought under-16s should be on social media, the same man didn't even have to think about it.
'Definitely not! But I'm sure kids under 16 wouldn't say that,' he said.
A trendy couple stopped to chat and admitted neither could see how the ban will work without consequences for users, rather than just the tech platforms.
'Probably not here in Australia, everyone's got free will, I wouldn't anyway,' the man admitted.
Asked whether they thought children would adhere to the police, others simply said, 'No.'
Meanwhile, a mum said while she planned to 'delay' her children from getting on social media for as long as possible, she ultimately thinks that responsibility is on parents, not the government.
'I feel it could have limited reach, it is such a massive issue. For our family it will be managed at home,' she explained.
Interestingly, one woman who stopped to weigh in said that, with or without penalties, she just doesn't think it'll work.
'I don't think any laws work. I don't think people respond well to control. They should have anatomy and we should trust them,' she said.
Announcing the social media ban last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained the policy was intended to make tech companies 'clean up their act', rather than punish kids.
'We know social media is doing harm,' Mr Albanese said.
'We want Australian children to have a childhood, and we want parents to know the Government is in their corner.
'This is a landmark reform. We know some kids will find workarounds, but we're sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.'
Mr Albanese has claimed the law will encourage 'better outcomes and less harm' for young Australians.
'One of the things I want to see is young Australians, older too, having conversations with each other,' he said, adding the government had a 'responsibility to act' after speaking with parents who have lost their children because of bullying on social media.
'I've met with parents who have lost and buried a child, it's devastating,' he said.
'We can't, as a government, hear those messages from parents and say 'It's too hard'. We have a responsibility to act, my government has done that.'
Psychologist Carly Dober told news.com.au said that young people under 16 using social media can result in 'harm', and a ban will be helpful.
'Social media-fuelled comparisons and unreal expectations can contribute to depression, anxiety and disordered eating behaviours with young people,' she said.
'We are all impacted by the infinite scroll on social media that impacts our attention spans and ability to concentrate.
'The ban will also prevent young people from being exposed to potentially radicalising content, however if this content is online after they turn 16 then this is still a huge concern.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
26 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Julie Bishop makes rare diplomatic foray into Russia
London: Julie Bishop has made a rare trip to the Kremlin, meeting senior Russian officials during a visit that underscores Moscow's growing influence in Myanmar and its central role in shielding the country's military regime from global pressure. The former Australian foreign minister, who is now the United Nations special envoy for Myanmar, held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. She posted photos to her Instagram last week from inside Russia's Foreign Ministry and Red Square – a striking image for a Western diplomat given Russia's isolation over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Bishop, who rarely speaks publicly about her role, declined to comment when approached by this masthead, only confirming the visit as part of her role in engaging key United Nations Security Council members on Myanmar's political and humanitarian crisis. Russia is one of the junta's most powerful allies, supplying arms, vetoing UN resolutions, and expanding oil and gas co-operation. The Kremlin recently announced new strategic agreements with Myanmar's military, even as the regime continues its crackdown on political opponents, ethnic minorities, and pro-democracy forces. In an address to the UN General Assembly earlier this month, Bishop warned that since the February 2021 coup, 'Myanmar has been in polycrisis, with more than 14,000 civilian fatalities and 80,000 total fatalities recorded, more than 3.5 million internally displaced, and over 100,000 houses torched.' Loading She condemned the junta for continuing to 'fly airstrikes as part of its campaign against anti-junta forces and Myanmar's people, despite a ceasefire announcement', and said the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority had 'only worsened' since the military seized power. 'Those who have been forcibly deported from Myanmar face an uncertain future, with life-saving support to refugees significantly reduced, while Rohingya inside Myanmar face continuing persecution, displacement, and denial of human rights amidst an intensifying conflict,' she said. She also warned that elections planned by the junta for December were aimed at whitewashing military rule.
Perth Now
27 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Little-known homeowner side hustle to keep booming in Perth
Perth homeowners have a sporting chance of earning thousands of extra dollars. New research shows that 70 per cent of Australians would travel domestically to watch or play sport, and 21 per cent have Perth on their itinerary. Perth has been the centre of the Australian sporting universe in recent weeks with rugby league's State of Origin, the Matildas and the touring British and Irish Lions all heading to town. That's before the biggest of them all — the Ashes — head to Perth later this year, complete with England's Barmy Army, with all of the visiting fans pouring big money into the State's economy. And, of course, the Dockers and Eagles draw big crowds every week. The survey, by Airbnb, shows soccer is the number sport people travel for, followed by AFL and tennis. One person who has cashed in on the sporting boom is Andrea from Wembley Downs. who rents out part of her house to visiting fans and pocketed thousands of dollars. 'After the children moved out we considered downsizing, but instead converted the extra space into an Airbnb,' she said. Nine months ago Andrea began renting out part of her Wembley Downs home and has since welcomed hundreds of guests who flew to Perth purely to watch sport. Credit: Supplied 'We often get feedback from guests that the location was perfect for them to easily head to their sporting events. 'Being situated close to Perth's biggest stadiums is one of our key selling points, so it wasn't a surprise to welcome plenty of sports fans.' She said the variety of sport-loving guests staying at her home had been a 'lovely surprise'. 'Families come for their children's basketball and netball tournaments, we've had coaches and competitors staying for State athletic meets, guests going to AFL matches and already have guests lined up for the Ashes Test in November,' she said. 'Some may see it as unconventional, to alter your home and share it with travellers, but it's added a lovely layer of experience to our lives.' The research showed a typical host earned $915 over the weekend of the Perth Test against India in November last year. Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon told The Sunday Times that despite the cost-of-living crisis, Aussies were still happy to splash cash on sport. Susan Wheeldon. Credit: Supplied 'I think people are still looking for joy in their lives and to be able to get out with mates and to go and see sport,' Ms Wheeldon said. 'Most Aussies grew up playing team sport and watching sport, it is just such a part of the Australian culture . . . there's nothing quite like it.' She said it was also great for hosts. 'Becoming an Airbnb host during these major sporting events is such an easy way to help homeowners to build opposite the cost of their mortgage or the cost of of life in general,' Ms Wheeldon said.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘Dying in silence': Closing restaurant shares sad ‘wake-up call'
A beloved Sydney Italian restaurant – which was once booked out 'every weekend'- is set to close its doors, with its owner sharing a 'wake-up call' to Aussies as small businesses are left 'dying in silence'. Zafferano Trattoria Mediterranea, owned by Sicilian-born chef Simone Crivello and partner Isobel Galloway, has been serving up authentic Sicilian food in Paddington, in Sydney's inner-east, for over five years. But amid the cost of living crisis and climbing rents, the popular restaurant has made the difficult decision to close in August, highlighting the struggles the Sydney hospitality industry faces in a poignant video message on social media. 'Sydney, what happened to you? This used to be one of the most vibrant cities in the world,' Ms Galloway said in a video on the restaurant's Instagram page, which was not intended as a 'pity post' but rather a 'wake-up call'. 'Our restaurant was once full, bookings every night, laughter echoing through the walls, and food made with soul. Now, we're lucky if a few tables fill.' Ms Galloway acknowledged Zafferano is not the only restaurant struggling, claiming Australia is grappling with a recession. 'Small businesses are dying in silence while rent climbs, costs soar, and politicians pretend everything is fine.' 'We're in a recession, whether they wanna say it or not. People can't afford to go out. Families are struggling, somehow the government still acts like this is just a phase, but it's not. It's the reality they helped create,' she claimed. 'The economy is tanking, and the people who built this city – the chefs, the creatives, the small business owners – we're the ones paying the price.' Ms Galloway said her restaurant is having to shut not because it 'failed, but because the system did'. 'Before we go – ask yourself this. Where are you spending your money? Who are you choosing to support? And what kind of city do you want to live in?' she continued. 'Without small businesses, culture dies, community dies, and all that's left is soulless chains and boarded-up shop fronts. This isn't just a goodbye, it's a wake-up call,' she concluded. The restaurant further called on Sydneysiders to choose local and support Sydney it said has 'been left to crumble'. 'If we don't fight for what matters … there won't be anything left to fight for,' it captioned the post. Many Aussies praised Ms Galloway for highlighting the struggles many businesses continue to face. 'This makes me so sad,' one person wrote. '100% agree, we have been in a recession for about two years now,' another wrote. 'Finally someone being honest and transparent about what's really going on! Small business needs support and some tax breaks to help keep the culture alive!,' said another. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Ms Galloway said she and her husband, who welcomed a child in February, said they made the decision to not renew their lease after spending the last 18 months enduring the cost-of-living ciris as well as increased rent and wages. 'The past two years have been notoriously tough for hospitality,' she said. 'It's been a really tricky time and all venues have had to deal with it. But being tiny and family run, it's taken toll on us. Ms Galloway added they 'would have happily stayed in business for next 20 years but we can't afford to'. Looking to the future, the couple said they will be releasing a cookbook and plan to host food tours and open a B&B in Sicily. They will shut their doors at the end of August. NSW cafe braces for latest financial hit Zafferano isn't alone in feeling the crunch. Three Flamingos Espresso, a beloved cafe in Albion Park, near Wollongong, has been struggling with sharp increases to the cost of insurance, electricity, produce and stock – all of which has seen its profit margin shrink to a razor-thin five per cent. Owner Brad Pettitt told earlier this month he was bracing for the latest financial hit after the Fair Work Commission announced a 3.5 per cent hike to the minimum wage starting on July 1. 'Our staff work really hard and they absolutely should be rewarded, but in the context of all these other huge cost increases, it's really difficult to cope,' Mr Pettitt said. 'In the past two years, our electricity costs are up 40 per cent, gas 20 per cent, insurance and worker's comp both 10 per cent, coffee recently went up 15 per cent, bacon is up 10 per cent, and eggs, of course, the big one, is 44 per cent. 'The wage increase is modest for a few employees, but we have a staff of 24 so it all adds up to a big additional expense.' Millions of workers will see their hour rate lift to $24.95, a total of $948 per week based on 38 hours worked, up from $24.10 per hour and $915.90 per week. The Australian Industry Group estimated that the increase will see the national wages bill rise by $5 billion over the coming financial year. 'We're doing everything we can to diversify our income streams because we can't rely on day to day trade,' Mr Pettitt said. 'It's just not viable anymore.' He concedes an increase in menu prices is now inevitable. Industry groups say the larger-than-anticipated minimum wage increase will hurt vulnerable businesses, especially those in hospitality, and consumers will ultimately pay.
