Australia wants to curb the negative impact of social media on children through a blanket ban. We asked people in Cardiff if Wales should do the same.
Australia’s government recently proposed laws to ban children under 16 from using social media.
The laws aim to reduce the negative impacts of social media on children. Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation is for “the mums and dads… they, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online”.
According to a study by Ofcom, 88% of children used YouTube regularly in 2023. 53% of children used TikTok, while 46% used Snapchat and 41% used Instagram.
When it comes to Wales, nearly half of Welsh children from ages 7 to 11 use social media regularly.
Arron, 33, creative manager
“Yeah, there should be a ban on social media for children under 16. There are very dangerous online predators. Grown men with social media profiles. They’re on popular kids’ games like Roblox. Social media apps should also vet profiles and not let young children make profiles so easily. “
Barbara, 69, retired
“Younger kids shouldn’t be on the internet. Their parents let them on there because they’re on the phone themselves and they can’t be bothered. Children should use social media once they’re 16 so they know what they’re doing. Children should be out playing and having fun.”
Freddy, 19, student
“I don’t think there should be a blanket ban on social media. It should be less aggressive. Kids should be taught how to use social media safely because once they’d start using it, they won’t know how to control it. People usually find a way around bans anyways. “
Ruth, 63, retired
“They should ban social media for children under 16 straight away. It is disgusting for kids, what they can see on there. My granddaughter, she’s 8 and she’s constantly on the phone watching TikTok and all. When children leave school, it’s fine to use social media then.”
Saho, 26, barista
“Some apps such as facebook and game apps must be banned, because social media often miscarry information, and children under 16 can be easily depressed by the information from social media, but the communicate apps can be allow to use.”
Jacky, 60, hairdresser
“Not 16, but children under 13 should be banned. The information from the social media is not suitable for them, maybe sometimes even dangerous. I have 2 grown children, and I didn’t let them use social media when they were young.”
Elsie, 19, student
“Social media can be boring for students, they cannot get useful information from it. Banning students from using social media can keep them away from bad information and good for their mental health.”
Brain, 59, carpenter
“Under 14 is more suitable. They don’t need the social media; they should focus on their study. Information from social media is something they don’t need to know. All apps need to be banned for children.”