Imagine being told you can no longer connect with your friends, your support network, your community – simply because of your age. For many teenagers with disabilities, this is the stark reality looming with Australia's impending social media ban for those under 16. It's a decision that, while intended to protect young people, could inadvertently isolate those who rely on these platforms the most.
Take Wren Alfaro, for example. At 15, Wren navigates life with challenges including difficulty walking, chronic fatigue, ADHD, and autism. For Wren, Instagram isn't just a place to scroll through pictures; it's a vital connection to a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique experiences of being a teenager with a disability. They also enjoy the entertainment and connection offered by platforms like YouTube. But here's where it gets controversial... this lifeline is about to be cut off, potentially leaving Wren feeling even more isolated.
Come December, Australia's groundbreaking (and some might say, alarming) social media ban will extend to major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. This world-first legislation aims to safeguard younger users, but at what cost?
"Some days I can't even go to school, so it's my only way of being able to have some time with friends," Wren shared with the ABC. The prospect of losing this connection is understandably distressing. "Because I personally have a physical disability, I struggle to get out a lot," they explain. "[Social media] helps me engage with my community without having to go out and struggle through painful days."
Wren's story highlights a critical point: social media isn't just a source of entertainment for many teens with disabilities; it's a crucial avenue for connection, support, and community engagement. And this is the part most people miss...
These concerns are echoed by advocates in the disability support sector. Skye Kakoschke-Moore, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia, emphasizes the safe and accessible environment social media provides. "Social media allows teenagers with a disability to connect to their friends in an easy and safe environment," she states. She further points out the inaccessibility of many physical spaces: "A lot of our public spaces aren't built to meet the needs of people with a physical disability." Kakoschke-Moore poses a compelling question: "I think it is worth exploring having an exemption for teens with disability to the ban on social media." What do you think? Should there be exceptions made?
Wren acknowledges the potential downsides of social media, stating, "Although there are harmful ways that social media can impact young people, it's been amazing for me." This highlights the nuanced reality – social media can be both a blessing and a curse, but for some, the benefits far outweigh the risks. But is it the government's place to decide that?
Emily Unity, a disability and mental health advocate, stresses the importance of social media as a platform for teens to voice their opinions and seek help. "If you remove those lifelines, they are not going to be able to seek help in the way that they most prefer and that is most accessible to them," they argue. "This is an incredibly disempowering law that shows them that the government doesn't really care about what they think." It's a powerful statement that raises a crucial question: are we truly listening to the voices of young people with disabilities when making decisions that directly impact their lives?
The federal government's Online Safety Amendment, passed last November with bipartisan support, aims to create a safer online environment for young people. E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant clarifies that the government isn't banning the internet altogether, pointing to exemptions for online gaming platforms and messaging apps. She frames the ban as "really a social media delay for those between the ages of 13 and 17." But is a 'delay' enough? Does it truly address the unique needs and challenges faced by teens with disabilities who rely on these platforms for connection and support?
This situation begs the question: How can we balance the need to protect young people online with the need to ensure that vulnerable populations, like teens with disabilities, aren't inadvertently harmed by well-intentioned policies? Is a blanket ban the right approach, or are more nuanced solutions needed? What are your thoughts on this? Share your perspective in the comments below. Let's discuss how we can create a safer and more inclusive online world for everyone.
