I’m currently writing this article minutes before my deadline, despite having over a week to work on it. The reason for such an unproductive week? Social media. Why would I want to write when I could scroll mindlessly through my phone, learning stupid dances and laughing at ridiculous memes? Seriously, I just had a funny TikTok idea, so I decided to abandon this article and make the TikTok instead. Due to this unhealthy addiction, my phone is currently locked in another room so I can’t subconsciously grab it when I’m frustrated by writer’s block.
I hate social media, how I instantly look for my phone the instant it buzzes with a notification. I hate the constant need to keep up with the latest trends on the internet. I hate how my generation’s social skills have worsened, and how difficult it has become to even hold a conversation. I could do so much more with my time if I didn’t have this constant longing for social media. I could be so much happier if I deleted my social media. But for some reason, I still don’t have the guts to do anything about it.
This is the issue with social media. Teens–myself included–don’t want to be the lone misfit missing out on the latest jokes, news, and styles that media apps provide. Therefore, they are trapped in this addictive relationship with their phone.
An 18-hour plane ride away from our home of Rye, this issue is being solved. On November 7th, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his plan to institute a social media ban for all children under the age of 16. Although many media platforms already have an age restriction, this law would punish social media companies with considerable fines if they allow younger children to access these outlets. There would be no penalty for users or parents of users who ignore this rule; however, the fines would incentivize social media companies to implement strict age restrictions. Apps that will likely be affected by this prohibition include Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese has said. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online, and I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back.”
As a teen, I understand why social media can be great. It’s a way to communicate with friends and family, share parts of your life through fantastic photos, and stay updated on news around the world. However, the endless cycle of scrolling is never worth these positives. Social media plays a massive role in teens’ lives already, and I can’t even imagine how its hold on our lives will grow as technology advances. Anthony Albanese’s vision will prevent years of time wasting and social issues for children everywhere. If you still can’t see this, you’re likely trapped in the web of social media.
