In addition to the efforts by parents in India, Malaysia, and Quebec to limit children's social media use, Australia is taking action to protect children from inappropriate online content. The eSafety Commissioner has given the internet industry six months to create an enforceable code that outlines how they will prevent children from accessing pornography and other harmful material online. The code should establish standards for app stores, websites, search engines, social media platforms, chat services, and gaming platforms to ensure that the content is suitable for users. It may include measures such as age verification, default parental controls, and software that blurs or filters sexual content. If the industry fails to provide an acceptable code, the regulator will impose one [33df4138].
The Australian government's initiative reflects the growing concerns about the impact of online content on children's well-being and the need for effective measures to protect them. The code aims to address high-impact material that includes themes of suicide and eating disorders, in addition to pornography. By setting standards and implementing safeguards, the government hopes to create a safer online environment for children in Australia [33df4138].
These efforts by governments and parents worldwide highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to protect children from the potential negative effects of excessive social media use and exposure to inappropriate online content. It is crucial for stakeholders, including internet companies, regulators, parents, and educators, to work together to ensure the well-being and safety of children in the digital age [898bbecd] [33df4138].