Australian youth are advocating for digital literacy, parental support, algorithm control, and tech accountability, emphasizing education over age verification. According to data shared by ReachOut Youth Advocates at a Joint Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, over 93 percent of young Australians engage with social media daily, with 73 percent turning to these platforms for mental health support.
While recognizing the benefits of social media, advocates raised concerns about the prevalence of cyberbullying, misinformation, and addictive algorithms. Instead of solely relying on age verification, they proposed a comprehensive approach to enhancing digital safety.
Their suggestions include integrating digital literacy into education, empowering young Australians to navigate social media responsibly. They also call for greater user control over algorithms to personalize their online experience and minimize exposure to harmful content. Additionally, they recommend a “safety by design” approach, urging tech companies to embed safety features directly into their platforms and take legal responsibility for user well-being.
Advocates stress the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government, tech firms, and educators, to develop policies that prioritize safety while allowing young people to benefit from the positive aspects of social media.
Age verification was acknowledged as a feasible step, but advocates argue that it should not be the sole focus. They emphasize the need for privacy and transparency in any verification process to alleviate concerns among young users.
Digital literacy was likened to a license for social media, with advocates proposing educational initiatives to teach young people about misinformation, privacy settings, and healthy technology habits. They also recommend involving parents in this education to empower them to guide, rather than restrict, their children’s online activities.
Advocates also advocate for giving young users control over the content they see on social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of customizable algorithms to promote a healthier online environment.
In terms of mental health support on social media, advocates stress the need for credible information and verification processes to ensure reliable advice, particularly for vulnerable youth. They also highlight the importance of increasing digital literacy to help young users identify trustworthy sources and avoid harmful content.
To hold tech companies accountable, advocates propose a “safety-first” approach, urging these companies to embed safety features into their platforms and work with regulators to establish enforceable standards. This collaborative effort aims to create safer online spaces without resorting to outright bans on social media.
Overall, the youth advocates call for a coordinated approach involving government, tech companies, educators, and young people to create a safer digital landscape where the positive aspects of social media can be enjoyed responsibly. Please rewrite this sentence for me.
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