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https://theconversation.com/online-games-should-not-be-included-in-australias-social-media-ban-they-are-crucial-for-kids-social-lives-243374>
"The Australian government has announced a plan to ban children under the age
of 16 from social media. With bipartisan support, it’s likely to be passed by
the end of the year.
While some experts and school principals support the ban, the move has also
been widely challenged by social media experts and children’s mental health
groups.
In a press conference on Friday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland
suggested the ban would include platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter),
Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. An exemption would be considered for some
services, such as YouTube Kids.
Some media reports raised concerns about online games like Minecraft, Fortnite
and Roblox falling under the ban, because people can communicate with others on
these platforms. Platforms like Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network would
potentially be in scope, too.
A government spokesperson told
Australian Community Media that a new, robust
definition of “social media” would be forthcoming in the legislation. Games and
messaging platforms are likely to be exempt, but we don’t know for sure at this
stage.
As experts in children’s online play, we argue it would be a mistake to ban
children from social games. Games are crucial to children’s social lives and
learning, and for their personal growth and identity development."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
