Dick Cheney dies; Kick, Reddit added to social media ban on December 10; Sussan Ley leadership still in doubt
The government’s social media ban on people under the age of 16 will come into effect on December 10. will not include popular gaming platform RobloxThe site, which is under the purview of Australia’s federal police chief for harboring abusers, will also include Reddit and livestreaming site Kick.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has defended the crackdown on livestreaming platforms, dismissing concerns about potential backlash from parents of teenage boys who are active users of these platforms.
Experts warn that children are exposed to social media-style apps on Roblox.Credit: Nathan Perri
“I think it’s something we want parents to be conscious of and have these discussions around the dinner table or driving to school… They can also say, if their teenage children are giving them any distress about this, don’t blame me. It’s the law. Blame the minister,” Wells told Nine’s. Today show this morning.
He said concerns that children would circumvent bans should not deter the government from taking action.
“In Australia today, there will be children buying alcohol even though it is against the law. Children will be children. You and I met them. You and I are raising them.”
“It’s a significant cultural shift, though, and just because some kids have access to alcohol today doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a law banning it, and this will do that,” he said.
“This is going to be a meaningful change. I really, really think it’s going to change a generation.”
