It is probably “smart” to ban all under-16s from social media, said the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Banning Under-16 From All Social Media
While raising concern over the widespread impact of social media, Australia’s parliament voted to ban all under-16s from such technology platforms last month.
This is also making it one of the world’s strictest measures against internet use for minors.
These new rules are set to come into full effect within a year.
Once that happens, the platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will be required to block under-16 users or risk fines of up to $49.5m AUD (£25.7m).
“Everything that comes along can be used in excess. I mean there are people who think their kids read too much and they should get outside and play,” said Mr Gates, while talking about his own relationship with technology as a child.
The same applies to mobile phones, said the billionaire adding, “I think that’s legitimate – same thing with video games. Social networking even more. We know we have to think a lot, particularly about how kids use it, but also even when adults do,”while talking with the media.
It’s A Smart Move
On the question of whether he would take a view on what age his own grandchild should have access to social media, he answered “I think this idea of holding kids back until say age 16, which apparently Australia is going to try to do, I think it’ll be fascinating to see if that’s beneficial. I think there’s a good chance that that’s a smart thing.”
While talking about this, prime minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that protecting every child would be difficult.
Further, he told the parents that the government has “got your back” while talking about the Australian ban.
Adding, “We know that technology moves fast. No government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat – but we have to do all we can. Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map – no generation has faced this challenge before.”
Earlier, UK’s technology secretary Peter Kyle said that he was in touch with Australia’s government about their ban in November.
He suggested that he was open to the idea of a similar move in Britain, but later insisted that no such plans were currently on the cards.
