Australia has banned social media for children under 16, beginning November 28, 2024. How do students of Los Banos High feel about this ban? What does this mean for us? Should America follow through with this ban?
Students were surveyed on how they felt about the ban and whether they thought the ban was a good idea or not.
Junior Ava Browning responded, “I don’t think it (the ban) is, because I think social media helps teens especially be aware of what is going on in the world, news wise.”
Robert Chaves (11) responded, “I think social media getting banned for ages under 16 is unfortunate but smart at the same time.”
Gala Valdes (11) responded, “Somewhat, I think on paper it is a good idea, but on the other hand, I also have doubts about how good it really is.”
Students were also asked if they thought America should follow through with the ban. Browning responded, “I don’t think so because again, social media can help a lot with people knowing what is really going on in the world and can help spread awareness about any issues going on in the world.”
Chaves responded, “No, I don’t think they should follow the ban because it’s unnecessary.”
Valdes responded, “No, because it’s such a big platform and there’s really no point of banning it.”
Then students were asked to weigh the pros and cons of the ban Australia placed. Browning responded, “Pros are that a lot of people get easily addicted to social media. Especially teenagers, and it will help that definitely. Cons are it again holds people from knowing what’s really happening in the world.”
Chaves responded, “Some pros would be people under the age of 16 wouldn’t have to deal with things going on in social media, they wouldn’t have to worry about bullying, & no brain rot. And the cons would be that people are just bored and can’t really do anything, can’t chat with their friends, they’d have to use texting.”
Valdes responded, “The pros are learning becomes easier without any distractions, and being in the moment instead of consumed by social media, the cons are being disconnected from everyone and not being able to text your friends.”
Students disagree with this ban, seeing it as “unfortunate” and “unnecessary.” Currently, a potential ban on TikTok has been discussed in the United States for January.
