I belong to the era that has grown up with the rapid development of technology. I've seen how the availability of information and communication platforms can shape minds, allow personal growth, and promote community development. However, Anthony Albanese has hinted on the potential banning of social media in Australia, which have set alarm bells ringing. To put it simply, 20th-century solution cannot solve 21st-century challenges.

First of all, the definition of a social media service as per the Online Safety Act according to the ABC can be found below:

- The sole or primary purpose of the service is to enable online social interaction between two or more end users;
- The service allows end users to link to, or interact with, some or all of the other end users;
- The service allows end users to post material on the service.

Not only this has lots of plot holes, but this is extremely vague to whoever is reading it. By this definition, TikTok is banned. Snapchat is banned. Emails are banned. Roblox is banned. Minecraft is banned. PlayStation is banned. In this essence, YouTube is also banned! Where do we draw the line between something that isn't and is social media? But this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Children require guidance (not bans) in navigating online environments, including social media. According to RMIT Australia, banning them from these platforms is not the solution, rather instilling them with necessary online navigation skills is. A blanket ban could lead to more isolation among peers outside of school hours and hinder on their freedom to develop communication skills that are integral in this digital age.

It is not the government's burden alone to shoulder but parents too should help their children differentiate between right and wrong online behaviours, set limits, and inculcate values to use the platforms responsibly. Remember that it's not the government's fault that your child is a bully online. It's not their fault your student is failing Mathematics because their too busy scrolling TikTok. The government isn't here to babysit your child and be the Apple version of Microsoft Family Safety. It is also worth mentioning how 36 months isn't willing to have their children talking to their friends online, but are willing to share their personal information like passports and driver licenses. Talk about 'good parenting'.

Moreover, as we move into a future driven by digital connectivity, we shouldn't hide these platforms from children. Instead, we have to prepare and educate them about the safe and responsible use of these platforms so cyberbullying is abolished. Because when the children grow up into, essentially, young adults and use social media, who's telling them what's wrong and what's right? Around 1 in 20 children lose their parents before the age of 18 (feelthemagic.org.au), and if they don't have anybody to tell them and educate them from a young age, then who will? In that case, we're not solving the issue- we're just postponing it.

As someone who grew up amidst the digital revolution, I think this isn't just a government issue, but a personal one too. Our future will be shaped more and more by digital platforms. Let's not create a generation unaware of what's right and wrong in the digital world—probably leaving them worse off than they are today. Bans don't stop bullying. But guidance, empowerment and just better parenting will.

Please lend your voice to this cause and prevent the banning of social media in Australia. Sign this petition.