As concerns about youth social media use continue to escalate, recent legislative efforts in Australia and the United States are drawing attention from around the globe, including Hong Kong. Australian lawmakers are currently considering a draft law that would prohibit social media use for individuals under the age of 16, even with parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cited the potential risks to the physical and mental health of young people as a primary motivation for this proposed legislation [2cb05af6].
In the United States, a similar initiative known as the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act is under discussion, aiming to enhance protections for minors online. This growing trend reflects a broader recognition of the negative impacts of social media on youth, including increased rates of depression and anxiety, as highlighted by local therapist Timothy Hoffman, who supports the Australian proposal [2cb05af6].
The case of Alexander McCartney, who was convicted of blackmailing young girls online, underscores the dangers associated with unregulated social media access for minors. Such incidents have prompted calls for a stronger 'duty of care' towards children regarding their media consumption [2cb05af6].
In Hong Kong, the KELY Support Group's Cindy Ng emphasizes the importance of educating young people on safe internet navigation. As global discussions on social media regulation intensify, it is crucial for Hong Kong to observe and potentially adopt similar measures to protect its youth [2cb05af6].
Notably, many tech leaders have chosen to restrict their own children's access to social media, further illustrating the widespread concern about its effects on young users. As these legislative efforts unfold in Australia and the US, Hong Kong must consider how to effectively address the challenges posed by social media while navigating the complexities of enforcement and potential geopolitical implications [2cb05af6].