As momentum continues to grow for a ban on social media for Australians under the age of 16 some experts are warning a ban may disproportionately impact those in the regions.
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The premiers of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia are united in a push to lift age minimums on tech platforms after a campaign from News Corp publications.
As it stands, social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook require users to be 13 to create an account but sign-up systems can often be circumvented.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he wanted "strong action" and that it needed to be effective and not rushed.
"This is a national issue," he said. "We want to make sure that any measures that are put in place are effective, because one of the concerns which is there is that age protocols may be circumvented by users at the moment."
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the coalition strongly supported age verification for social media, which was a key part of "deeply disturbing" trends in children's mental health.
"It's difficult to make the case for children under the age of 16 being on social media, especially when we've seen the harmful effects that it can have on our children," he said in a statement.
"It's difficult to make the case for children under the age of 16 being on social media, especially when we've seen the harmful effects that it can have on our children," he says.
Social media helps socialisation
But Port Macquarie Headspace worker Emily Lawson told ACM that while she acknowledged social media was having a detrimental impact on young people, it can be beneficial, particularly for those who are most isolated.
"We do see quite a lot of impacts on mental health in terms of body image and comparison and unrealistic expectations," she said.
But in regional towns, the isolation is much worse so access to social events is very limited.
"We are trying to get young people out with confidence, particularly after years of lockdowns and social media plays some role in helping with socialisation."
University of Sydney media specialist Dr Catherine Page Jeffery said while there were some "real dangers associated with social media" a blanket ban could prove counterproductive.
"Young people do derive a lot of benefits and also exercise their rights in the digital space," she said.
"An outright ban seems to be something of a blunt tool to address an issue that is much better addressed through other means."
Dr Page Jeffery said for young people who are more isolated "social media does become more important than ever for connection and socialisation", and warned of a disproportionate impact on regional Australia.
Senior lecturer of digital media at Swinburne University Belinda Barnet told ACM she doubted whether a ban would work.
Dr Barnet also expressed concerns about privacy
"Kids are definitely accessing social media platforms that they are not ready for particularly very young kids," she said.
"But I don't think that is a reason to get every Australian to hand over their passport to Facebook."
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
