Premier Peter Malinauskas will participate in a crucial social media summit later this year to discuss the growing concerns regarding the negative effects social media platforms have on children. The summit, scheduled for October, will be hosted by the NSW Government and attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The event aims to gather senior officials, policy makers, and academics together with representatives from leading social media platforms to strategise on mitigating harm associated with digital technologies.
This summit follows the recent legislative actions taken by the South Australian government. In a move widely recognised for its pioneering stance, Premier Malinauskas announced earlier this month intentions to prohibit children under the age of 14 from accessing social media accounts. This directive was heightened by the appointment of former Chief Justice of the High Court, Robert French AC. He will oversee the legal analysis required to enact these restrictions, ensuring they align with the existing constitutional framework.
The decision to ban mobile phones from South Australian public schools is another initiative under this administration intended to shield children from potential harm.
Premier Malinauskas voiced his concerns, stating, “There is rising concern across the country about the impact social media is having on our children, and I applaud NSW Premier Chris Minns for calling this important summit.” He added, “South Australia is taking a nation-leading position on this issue, and I am interested in hearing the experiences of other jurisdictions.”
The urgency of such measures is underscored by alarming statistics demonstrating the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Recent studies indicate that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day engaging with social media may face twice the risk of developing mental health issues, including symptoms related to depression and anxiety.
In fact, the rate of adolescents reporting mental illness in Australia has escalated significantly, rising from 26 per cent to 39 per cent over the past 15 years alone.
The government’s proactive approach in collaborating with technology leaders and educational experts at the upcoming summit is crucial. It aims to foster a broader understanding and develop more stringent controls to safeguard the well-being of young Australians.
The summit also represents an opportunity for Premier Malinauskas and his counterparts to share insights and strategies from their respective jurisdictions, potentially influencing nationwide policies on digital media use among young people.
Concerns about young people’s mental health and well-being have made it imperative for measures that restrict potentially harmful exposure to digital platforms.
As preparations for the summit continue, further details are expected to be disclosed to the public, ensuring that communities remain informed and engaged in the ongoing discussions about the future of social media regulation and its impact on youth.
More News
