Australia is grappling with the complexities of social media regulation, particularly for the country’s youth, experts warn that current decisions will have lasting effects on society.
During a recent Senate Committee hearing on Social Media’s Impact on Australian Society, Georgia Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue, revealed that a significant 58 percent of Australians take regular breaks from social media as a well-being strategy.
“This growing awareness of the negative impacts of social media highlights a changing landscape in public sentiment, with many recognising the need for a balanced approach to online engagement,” she said.
However, on the issue of imposing a ban on social media for younger people, Harman advocated for the need to understand the motivations behind young people’s social media usage.
It comes in response to bipartisan support for a proposed social media ban for young people up to 16 years old
“We need to delve deeper into what drives their behaviour online. If we simply focus on regulations and overlook the positive aspects of social media, we risk losing valuable opportunities for connection and engagement.”
Empowering Youth for Safer Online Spaces
Abby, a youth advocacy leader from Central Queensland, underscored the importance of designing policies that address the needs of young people who have grown up with social media, such as safer online spaces.“We want to exist online without fear,” Abby told the Senate Committee, advocating for policy changes that protect young people’s rights while fostering a safer digital environment.
Abby also pointed out that instead of implementing a blanket ban, it would be more effective to teach young people how to navigate the online world safely.
“We want the skills and power to navigate the online world. We want those who exploit our well-being to be held accountable,” she said.
Ben Bartlett, Director of Government Relations and Communications at ReachOut, pointed out that social media’s impact on mental health is multifaceted.
“We are united in our advocacy for nuanced, evidence-based, and co-designed policy responses,” he said.
Many experts expressed concerns about the potential fallout from banning social media platforms. They warned that such measures could unintentionally lead to new risks for young people.
Bartlett cautioned that shutting down a free, accessible avenue for mental health support would leave some young people without the resources they need.
Furthermore, a ban might drive vulnerable youth towards unregulated platforms that lack proper safety measures and experts advocated for a balanced, multi-layered approach to reform.
A coalition of organisations said it was important to work collaboratively with governments, parents, and young people to develop effective solutions.
Their recommendations included co-designing reforms with young people and compelling social media platforms to prioritise safety over engagement.
Andrew Wallace, MP for Fisher, argued that a blanket ban would fail to address the inherent dangers posed by social media.
“If we just tell young people they can’t engage, we’re ignoring the fact that these platforms are part of their world,” he said.
Understanding the Algorithm
Transparency around social media algorithms was also a key focus. Experts believe that understanding how platforms promote content will lead to more informed conversations about necessary reforms and their implementation.Sandersan Onie of the Black Dog Institute argued that social media companies must be more accountable for the way their algorithms function, suggesting they can be designed to steer users away from harmful content.
“We need to understand when they’re collecting information, how it’s affecting youth, and what information is being presented to them. We need to make them work together with the industry and the organisations whose sole goal is to improve the well-being of young people,” he said.
Advertising is another concern, with harmful messages sometimes reaching vulnerable young people. Advocates call for tighter regulation of ads and greater cooperation between social media platforms and public health organisations to ensure content is helpful, especially during crises.
While concerns over the negative impact of social media are well documented, experts also recognised its potential positives. With an increasing number of Australians turning to social media for health-related information, there is an opportunity to improve access to valuable resources.
