There has been a lot in the news over the past couple of months about the under 16s social media ban, with recent reports from Australia (where a ban is already in place) highlighting that it hasn’t made a difference and that most young people are still able to access it. Noah, member of the Somerset Youth parliament Advisory group, looks at how education could be a better path and how damaging an outright ban could be.
I know that the social media ban for under 16’s was decided a few months ago and there has already been a lot said about it. Some are for it and others against. But I still want to bring to light the issue with it. I believe that young people will still try to find ways to access it but they’ll lose support from parents or teachers.
Instead, more should be done to educate young people and their parents about its use and its dangers, otherwise, 16 yr old’s won’t know what to expect and will be in the same position.
It’s interesting that many young people get political news and information from social media, so it’s Ironic that this ban contradicts the move towards Votes at 16.
Finally, International Youth Day will be taking place on the 12th August. One of its themes is to support young people and highlight education, respect, equality and dignity, so I think we should support young people with social media, not take it away from them!
Noah
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
