Listen to the kids, Albo – Social media isn’t the problem, it’s cyberbullying
Much has been said about the social media ban. Here, 16-year-old Chris McIntyre addresses whether the ban is the right way to go in order to combat the issues associated with social media and how it could further negatively impact youth wellbeing.
The Australian Government has implemented the use of a social media ban in attempts to rectify and improve youth social and mental wellbeing.
My question to the government is will this ban really be the best way to improve and maintain youth wellbeing?
While Albanese has explained the thoughtful intent behind the bill, it could be argued that it is also being used to gain support from parents in attempts to lift his approval ratings ahead of a nearing election. This comes after reports last month that Albanese’s approval ratings fell to -14%, the lowest since becoming prime minister.
As a teenager myself, I think many other youth would agree that the social media conversation has become boring and repetitive. With every ‘new’ conversation there is about social media and the cost it has had on teen mental health, and even lives, nothing revolutionary has been shared or said that will make us change our perception of social media. To put this into perspective for adults, imagine the statistics of mental health illnesses that have stemmed from your social media being told to you over and over, not only by your parents or other members of your family, but also by teachers at school.
