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Swinney: I'd consider Australia-style ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16 Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By TOM GORDON DEPUTY SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 17:25 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 18:20 EST, 11 December 2024 e-mail View comments John Swinney has said he would consider following Australia in banning social media for under-16s. The First Minister said young people had to be protected from a ‘social media storm’ and said there was a ‘strong argument’ for a similar move in the UK. Australia last month became the first country in the world to pass a law intended to stop children using platforms such as TikTok , Instagram , Snapchat , Facebook and X. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there was a ‘clear, causal link’ between the rise of addictive social media and harm to ‘the mental health of young Australians’. Firms flouting the law, which will take at least a year to kick in, could be fined A$50million (£25 million). But there are doubts about how age restrictions can be imposed in practice, especially as privacy tools can be used to get round checks. Mr Swinney, who has a 14-year-old son, said social media could have a ‘significant effect’ on children’s wellbeing. He said: ‘I’ve called for much stronger steps to be taken to regulate the activities of social media giants. Teens face harm due to algorithms that allow them to be bombarded with toxic content ‘I think young people are being caught up in a social media storm, which can have a significant effect on their wellbeing. He said he was already in ‘dialogue’ with the UK Government about taking steps to improve protection for children and young people. When asked if that would include a ban on social media for under-16s, the First Minister said: ‘I would certainly consider that. ‘I think there’s a strong argument for it. Australia is obviously going down that direction, and it’s one of the issues that I think we should look at.’ Labour Secretary of State for Science and Technology Peter Kyle last month said a social media ban for under-16s was ‘not on the cards at the moment’ in the UK. But he revealed he was in contact with the Australian government, and wanted to do more to prevent the deaths of children linked to social media. Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Willie Rennie said: ‘There are many tragic stories about the effect of social media on children and young people, it’s clear both our governments and social media companies must do more to protect children from harmful content online.' A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: ‘We will carefully scrutinise the details of what this would ultimately mean if any proposals were put forward.’ Labour MSP Martin Whitfield added: ‘All options must be considered when it comes to making the internet a safer place for children and young people.’ Instagram Facebook TikTok Anthony Albanese Share or comment on this article: Swinney: I'd consider Australia-style ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16 e-mail Add comment
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