A ban for the young, a dilemma for all

Australia's social media ban sparks global debate

HONG KONG:

Australia's move to bar under-16s from using social media is expected to be closely watched by other countries, which may consider adopting similar measures.

AFP spoke to teenagers and adults around the world about the Australian ban, which takes effect on Wednesday (today).

Mumbai — Nothing is black or white

Nineteen-year-old Pratigya Jena said social media "should be partially banned because according to me nothing is either black or white". The student added: "Gen Z are very active, they are doing really well on social media. And doing great things, especially young entrepreneurs." At the same time, children watching adult content online "has a very bad effect".

At a park nearby, cricket coach Pratik Bhurke, 38, said Australia's move could encourage children to spend more time outdoors and might have "great benefits" in India as well.

Berlin – Help to detox

"Actually, a good thing in some ways because social media often portrays a certain image of how people should look, like girls have to be thin," 13-year-old Luna Drewes said of the ban. Another teenager, Enno Caro Brandes, said: "I'm 15 so for me the ban would definitely come into effect. A ban is a bit extreme, but it could definitely help to do a detox."

Doha – Really stupid

A video of an AI baby singing and answering interview questions is among the clips served to 16-year-old Firdha Razak as she scrolls in her room. Razak opposes a ban. "It's really stupid, honestly," she said. "There's not really much we can do as 16-year-olds" if governments act.

Also in Doha, 16-year-old Youssef Walid said bans like Australia's were "a bit harsh" and easy to evade. "We can use VPN. We can easily bypass the security and easily make new accounts," he said.

Lagos — We were born with it

At a Nigerian high school, Mitchelle Okinedo revises for exams, checking her handwritten notes. In the classroom, where phones are banned, students sit at separate desks in uniform. "We were born with it," the 15-year-old added. "And I don't think it's something I want to stop."

Her mother, 50-year-old event planner Hannah Okinedo, supports a social media ban for under-16s, saying most parents "don't have time to monitor their children all day".

Mexico City — Express yourself

Eleven-year-old Aranza Gomez has had a smartphone with social media access for one year. Without it, "I would honestly feel sad. I wouldn't really have a good way to spend my time," she said.

Nearby, 16-year-old Santiago Ramirez Rojas sits on a bench in the Tabacalera district, scrolling through posts about Argentina and tour dates for a musician. "Social media today is very important for expressing yourself, no matter how old you are," Rojas said.

But "there are many kidnappings that begin online" and "younger kids, around 10 or 12, are much more vulnerable".

Sydney — Not going to have any impact

In Australia, one family is divided over how the law will play out. "I don't think the government really knows what they're doing and I don't think it's going to have any impact on children of Australia," said 15-year-old Layton Lewis.

But his mother Emily Lewis hopes it will help children "have better, more authentic relationships". "They'll make proper plans, like we used to, to meet up with their friends face-to-face and have proper conversations as opposed to these illusive friendships online," she said.