Indi MP awaits more detail before deciding on social media ban

INDI federal Independent MP Helen Haines is undecided on whether she will support the Federal Government's imminent legislation to set a minimum age of 16 for social media access. Speaking after federal cabinet on Friday backed introducing proposed legislation as early as this month, Dr Haines told this masthead she is awaiting more detail from the government before making up her mind. She said while she understands that social media can cause harm to young people, she also recognises that it can also be used as a platform for connection. "I understand the deep concern of many about the effects of social media, which can sometimes have devastating consequences, particularly for young people,” Dr Haines said. "I also recognise that for many people, social media is an important way that they foster and maintain connection. “There are many suggestions about how to respond to the dangers of social media, of which a ban is one.” Dr Haines said she encouraged Indi residents with opinions on the matter to contact her office. “People of all ages and backgrounds across Indi have been sharing their different perspectives with me in recent months,” she said. “I encourage parents, young people, teachers, healthcare workers and others who have an active interest in this issue to contact my office with their views.” While the government is still working on details of the proposed legislation, it will seek to ban social media from all people under the age of 16, regardless of parental consent. The ban will apply to TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and X, and YouTube is likely to be banned as well. The government is hoping the social media platforms will take the reasonable steps to block people under 16 from accessing their sites.

Indi MP awaits more detail before deciding on social media ban

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