Let's make this THE exclude YouTube petition to amass as many signatures as possible - make to share it with all your teenager friends, family and on your socials!! If you share it with all your friends, all of them share it with all of these friends, and onwards; it will be like a chain reaction and this petition can grow momentum exponentially. 🔥🔥🔥

I am a student who uses YouTube extensively to research for assignments, learn how to do new things, and develop new skills through video content. This platform has been an invaluable educational tool for me, and now with the proposed ban on social media for those under 16, I fear losing access to this critical resource.

YouTube is not just a platform for entertainment; it is a vast repository of educational content that empowers students by providing free access to a wealth of information. From understanding complex math problems to learning new languages and acquiring hands-on skills like coding or cooking, YouTube can be considered an essential part of modern learning.

The proposed social media ban aims to protect young people from the potential negative effects of social media consumption. However, categorizing YouTube under the same umbrella as platforms used primarily for social interaction overlooks its value as a learning tool. Unlike other platforms, YouTube offers dedicated educational channels created by reputable educators and institutions, offering a structured and safe learning environment.

Instead of restricting access, Australian lawmakers should consider creating age-appropriate access controls or providing educational channels and content devoid of advertisements and consumption restrictiveness. This allows students to benefit from the positive aspects of YouTube without being subjected to potentially harmful content.

Let’s preserve the educational and skill development value of YouTube for younger students by excluding it from this restrictive ban. Sign this petition to show your support for customized regulation that acknowledges YouTube's unique role in education and skill development.