Australia pushes to ban youth social media... "may become more isolated"

[Anchor]
The Australian government is pushing for restrictions on the use of social media by teenagers 14-16 and under as concerns mount over the side effects of social media.

However, some worry that the bill could further isolate some children.

Reporter Kim Jandi's report.

[Reporter]
The Australian government has decided to introduce an age limit for the use of social media such as Instagram and TikTok.

He stressed that addictive social media is no different from cigarettes and alcohol, and that restrictions are essential for children's mental and physical health.

"I want to see children put down their electronic devices and go out and run," he said, expressing concern that social media is moving away from the real experience of reality.

[Anthony Albany / Australian Prime Minister: With access to online bullying, bullying, and damaging videos, we know that many teenagers are adversely affected by their mental health.]

The government is conducting a pilot project to enact a law within this year so that SNS can only be used at least at the age of 14 to 16.

About 97% of Australian teenagers use an average of four social media, with many parents speaking in favor of it, but there are also many voices of concern.

It says the law could further isolate adolescents and is fatal, especially for children in minority groups due to immigrants and health issues.

[Ben Kioko / 14-year-old autistic teenager |: I'm having a hard time making relationships with others because I'm autistic, but it's easier to meet people online and there's a lot less stress, so I can get to know more people.]

In addition, there are side effects of social media, but it is also true that there are many positive aspects, such as encouraging reading or teaching how to exercise.

[Laura Seton / 16-year-old Juvenile: Even at this moment, there's a lot of content on social media that motivates me to go out and be active. There are some really great influencers, and the videos they make make make me think a lot.]

Experts say that even if social media can be harmful to adolescents, bans are not the best.

Australia's Electronic Safety Board has also warned that age restrictions on social media could drive teenagers into less regulated, bad platforms.

Australia is the first country in the world to push for an age limit on social media use at the national level, with the opposition party supporting the law and predicting that it will not be difficult to pass.

I'm Kim Jandi from YTN.