The "social media ban"

about to come into existence for those under sixteen is now becoming more widely discussed.

I suspect many people believed it would not happen. They did not believe the government would be so foolish as to try and implement such a ban.

Whether it is foolish or not is yet to be seen. The idea that, on a certain date in December, you can simply stop young people from accessing any form of social media is yet to be tested. To hold the "big tech" companies responsible for implementing the ban is also something which has yet to be tested.

I use social media of course. This blog is part of social media. I have a "Twitter" account - used largely for keeping up with world news as it is given to most people. (I have other sources as well but it is useful to know what the general public has access to and how it is being said.) I have a Facebook account which I use mostly to keep up with friends overseas. I don't look at it all day or even everyday. The same is true of things like "Linked In" - which is something I mostly forget to look at. 

Now I am wondering how the government plans to ensure that, as a user of all these things, I am not under that delicate age of sixteen. How will they know that, at sixteen, I am somehow suddenly sophisticated and mature enough to use social media wisely? How will they know that I will not suddenly spend excessive hours on the now new and addictive platforms that make up social media?

At sixteen I should be preparing for my last years at school. I should be doing extra work to pass the examinations needed for my future. I should not be distracted by something new...or should I? 

Too much already happens at sixteen, not least the ability to get a licence to learn to drive. That is a huge distraction. There is also the business of increasing sexual awareness and relationships. Sixteen year old students want increasing freedom from parental controls and much more. 

There is also a demand in some quarters to give sixteen year olds the right to vote. Just imagine the knowledge of a sixteen year old who has to rely on what their parents and teachers tell them about politics and the world. They will be so well informed - not. I don't know of one teenager who regular reads our state or national newspaper - unless it is the sports section at the rear of the state paper. They rely on the "news" from radio or commercial television but like to believe they are well informed. At least access to social media has provided a bit more (mis)information. 

Perhaps the ban will work in the way it is intended. Some will find their way around it. There is always the possibility that some will find other sound sources of information too.

The ban is an attempt at social engineering on a large scale. I have no idea if it will work or not. The idea that it will halt teenage suicide and cause teenagers to become more socially aware is something I am prepared to hope for but I will wait and see what happens before I pass judgment.