Adrian Barich: any protection we can give kids against dodgy online content, abuse and attacks must be good

[Pelican Press 0]

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Adrian Barich: any protection we can give kids against dodgy online content, abuse and attacks must be good

Australia is about to find out if stopping kids aged under 16 from using social media platforms, such as

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,

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, Snapchat, X and TikTok, will protect them against harmful content or stifle creativity and block opportunity.

From my research, I’m not sure that many under 16’s even use

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or X but I suppose that’s beside the point. (And have you checked out the new Bluesky site? It’s like

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but softer and more nurturing, I suppose you’d say.)

The Government’s social media bill was introduced amid major concerns about the mental health effects of social media on young people and I get that.

I’ve seen firsthand how the interactive nature of social media does nothing to protect young people from issues surrounding body image, bullying and other harmful posts.

So when someone says, ‘Hey, let’s ease the kids into this new digital world with support and guidance’, I’m all for it.

It’s brutal out there, people! And any protections we can lock in to shield kids from some of the dodgy content, plus protect them from online abuse and the many other painful attacks must be a good thing.

Online safety is one of our biggest challenges in my opinion; I guess it’s just how you do it. Every parent who takes a close interest in the ******** of their offspring knows that it’s very tricky raising kids in the digital age. We all want the kids to have fun and enjoy life but what can come with it is a major concern.

After 30 years in the media, I’ve been able to develop an alligator-like thick skin and am almost immune to criticism or negative feedback. I’ve also learnt to disengage as soon as things turn ugly online. But even not getting sucked into hitting back and feeling you must defend yourself is a learned skill that many struggle to conquer.

Most people can relate it to if someone you don’t know abuses you in the street — you just shake your head and walk away. So why would you engage on social media?

So the saying goes: never argue with an ******. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

I’m not sure who said it but my favourite quote in this space is: “Arguing with idiots is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter how good you are, the bird is going to s… on the board and strut around like it won anyway.”

That’s why I think that although there is an argument that teens under 16 often use social media to support their wellbeing, I also point to the fact that we’ve all been learning about ourselves for thousands of years without social media.

I go back to the time when if we needed to know anything, we asked people or pulled out the old Funk & Wagnalls, World Book or Encyclopedia Britannica.

And here’s another solution (and you may think I have a vested interest here): how about we all go back to watching the 6pm news as the best way of keeping abreast of things.

Sitting down as a family is still the best way to do this, because it gives the kids the chance to ask their parents questions about the news, while also strengthening family bonds.

And that’s apart from the fact that you need to be informed to have valid opinions on anything these days, which then prepares you to take on those “idiots” on social media.

Plus of course, the news is one of the most entertaining things on television.

In case you don’t know, the much loved 6pm news bulletin is a very good summary of the day, complete with high-quality pictures and articulate journalists layering in context, all expertly put together by good producers and editors.

Conciseness is our middle name, as most stories last about one minute and these days you can also count on analysis from our learned reporters.

Keeping across world events makes us feel part of a global community and surely builds empathy. On top of that, the news will keep you informed on important issues that you may need to buy into or even take some action on in your local community, town, city and country.

Knowledge is power, especially when it’s served up to you with the proper context and relevant to your life.

Just one hour of news (and sport) and you’re on the way to being a more thoroughly engaged citizen. Besides, who doesn’t like knowing more about a subject than someone else? That way, when you do get into a joust on social media (when you’ve turned 17, of course) you can outshine your opponent in so many ways.

The no-news people are risking being out of the loop and will be unable to wax lyrical about the latest vision on the nightly news.

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#Adrian #Barich #protection #give #kids #dodgy #online #content #abuse #attacks #good

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