There are increased calls to introduce radical new measures that would implement age restrictions on social media use.
In May’s budget, the federal government announced a $6.5 million trial of age verification technology to crack down on child safety online.
The scheme would aim to reduce children’s exposure to age-inappropriate material.
Neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett from Mount Buller in Victoria, told Today significant impact on adolescent brain development occurs between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.
“Parents are really struggling in silence. They don’t think it’s happening to their children,” she said.
“But what we know for sure is that many, many people are struggling silently in their homes.
“The idea is that we need to start protecting childhood, and kids can’t do that. Only we can.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese again addressed the proposed measure at a press conference today.
He said the mental health impact of social media had devastating consequences for young people.
“Any impediments that are put in place that restrict young people from having access to social media will work, are effective,” he told reporters.
“Parents are worried sick about what their kids may have access to online, it is a major social issue in this country.
“We want to respond positively to the requests from parents that we do something about this.”
Albanese said the trial would examine how effective age verification would be and look at whether it could be circumvented.
“Every parent is concerned about the impact of social media,” Albanese said.
“I think it’s the no. 1 topic on the sidelines of football, netball and school sports that’ll be conducted on any weekend in any part of Australia.”
