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Parents, Not Government, Should Ban Kids From Social Media
27 Nov
Summary
- Social media bans are best left to parents, not the government.
- TikTok creator of the year Ilai Matangi has four young daughters.
- Ten platforms must restrict under-16 Australians from December 10.
Ilai Matangi, crowned TikTok creator of the year, suggests that government-imposed social media bans are less effective than parental guidance. Matangi, a father of four daughters and a full-time content creator with 2.7 million followers, advocates for parents to be the primary decision-makers regarding their children's social media usage. He stated his own children are too young for social media, emphasizing a parent's role in digital oversight.
This discussion arises as Australia is set to enforce new regulations on December 10. Ten social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, are mandated to implement reasonable measures to restrict access for users younger than 16. This widespread clampdown aims to enhance online safety for minors across the digital landscape.
However, the scope of the ban has sparked debate, with certain gaming platforms like Roblox and communication services like Discord exempt, despite documented safety concerns. Matangi's perspective highlights the ongoing conversation about the balance between government regulation and parental responsibility in navigating the complexities of children's engagement with social media.
