It has been surprising the amount of media coverage given to criticism of the federal government's social media ban for users under 16 years of age. While it's understandable coming from those with vested interests such as social influencers, tech giants and their lobbyists, for others it seems the current trend of just opposing any new initiative overrides any potential benefit an initiative may have. The ban came about because of the well-publicised, well-researched and widespread acknowledgement of the terrible harm unregulated social media has on all aspects of our society, particularly the young. Other countries are already following Australia's lead, proving you do not have to be a superpower to make a worldwide change for good. For critics to lazily condemn the ban merely because some kids will find their way around it would basically condemn any law brought in to prevent harm. Kids are banned from smoking at a certain age, from drinking alcohol, from driving, from owning a firearm, all manner of pursuits that adults are allowed to do, mainly because they don't have the maturity to deal with potential consequences. Of course some children ignore such laws and get around their implementation for a while, and generally suffer severely for it, but it doesn't mean the legislation isn't the right thing to do. It's like throwing in the towel against climate change, because other countries continue to do the wrong thing. In this case Australia has stood up and said we will do the right thing against this poison that so damages our youth. That is the type of policy we all should support.
