Will's Word: Australia bans under-16s on social media - should we?

Let's go there, to Australia. Do we need to learn something from our mates across the ditch?

I'm talking about Australia's move to ban social media use for children and teenagers under 16. It's already sparked a fierce debate not only on this side of the world but globally as well.

Some reckon it's necessary for mental health protection and general protection of children and teens, and others are saying it's rushed and pretty flawed.

We have our own challenges with social media. There is no denying that. But could we learn a thing or two from Australia?

We know that we grapple with our challenges when it comes to youth mental health and online safety, and so I reckon it is worth asking, should we follow suit?

The Aussie government's initiative to shield young users from the negative impacts of social media has been praised very quickly by those who support it.

You know, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content, particularly on that last point. It is so easy to access harmful content nowadays.

Given that studies often link extensive social media use to poorer mental health outcomes for teenagers, I think it's pretty responsible to consider policies like this.

But here's the kicker. Some would argue, and this is what the opposition was arguing, that the law was rushed and lacked proper debate and scrutiny.

There are also challenges around enforcement. How on earth are you going to enforce this? What's the best way to stop a teenager or a child from creating a fake profile?

There are also worries that such measures could infringe on personal freedoms or limit the benefits of online connectivity.

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I don't buy into that crap when it comes to personal freedom or the benefits of online connectivity. Still, I am worried about the fake profile aspect because there is nothing to stop a teenager from doing that.

We could learn a lesson or two from this. Australia obviously needs to take a more balanced approach to its actions.

There must be much more debate and scrutiny if we ever go down this route.

Better regulation on age verification, clearer guidelines, and advertising directed at youth are also needed.

We also need to have better educational programmes in school rather than a blanket ban, which is what Australia's gone with more targeted restrictions perhaps could work.

Because at the end of the day, it's child and teenager safety.

I have a younger sister, and I often worry about the online content she is exposed to. She's 13, and she falls well within this bracket. So, what can we do to mitigate the risks to people like my sister?

It's worth thinking about. Should we follow suit?

That's Will's Word.