BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – With teen technology use up for debate, one country is going so far as to ban social media completely for some.
Thursday in Australia, the government decided that social media was no longer appropriate for children 16 and under, so they passed a law to ban it.
“I think we’re so quick we’re so quick to say yes or know on that, and i think it’s a little bit more complex. I think we need to teach teens how to utilize these apps in a way that helps them,” Olivia Shaw, Mental Health Counselor said.
Olivia Shaw is an interning mental health counselor in South Burlington. A lot of her patients are 14 to 19 years-old. She sees the effects of social media on youth in real time.
“The one area I’ve seen it affecting teens the most is body image and self esteem,” Shaw said.
Lots of young shoppers were out on Church Street. They were asked if they thought Australia’s new law may help other kids.
“I don’t think it was exactly a bad idea, but I don’t think it should be fully banned,” Ella Wanamaker said. “I think there should just be boundaries for certain people of certain ages.”
“It’s where you talk with friends, it’s where you can see the world and learn a lot about other people that you may wanna hang out with,” Owen Huntoon said.
“Social media is a big part of a lot of people’s lives, and people can get addicted to it pretty easily,” Soraya Huntoon said. “I don’t think you should. I think you should step outside more often.”
Social media use and technology and teens are topics that lawmakers may be considering in the upcoming legislative session.