Australia’s dummy spit over kids on social media isn’t the answer. We need an internet for children

An open letter to Australia’s Communications Minister and eSafety Commissioner from Micaela Mantegna:

Dear Minister Fletcher and Commissioner Thorpe, I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen and parent about the recent announcement that the Australian government is considering age-restricting access to social media for children under the age of 16. I believe that this is a short-sighted and harmful approach to the issue of children’s safety online. There is no doubt that children need to be protected from the dangers of the internet. Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, hate speech, and other harmful content. However, age-restricting access to social media is not an effective way to protect children. It simply drives them to find other ways to access the sites, often without the supervision of parents or guardians. What we need instead is an internet that is designed for children. This means creating platforms that are safe, age-appropriate, and educational. It also means educating children about the potential dangers of the internet and how to stay safe online. I urge you to reconsider the government’s plans to age-restrict social media. Instead, let’s work together to create an internet that is safe and empowering for all children.

Here are some specific steps that the government can take:

* Invest in research to develop age-appropriate social media platforms. * Work with schools to teach children about digital literacy and online safety. * Provide funding for programs that support children who are victims of cyberbullying or other online harms. * Work with industry to develop tools and resources that help parents keep their children safe online. The internet is a powerful tool that can be used to learn, connect with others, and make a positive impact on the world. Let’s make sure that all children have the opportunity to benefit from the internet, while also protecting them from its dangers. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Micaela Mantegna