In Australia, the rise of social media has become a growing concern, particularly when it comes to children. From an increase in screen time to heightened peer pressure and exposure to online risks, the effects are noticeable. This blog explores the data, trends, and actions being taken by the Australian government to mitigate these risks.
How Much Time Are Australian Children Spending on Social Media?
Recent studies show a sharp increase in the amount of time children in Australia spend on social media. In 2023, Australian kids between the ages of 8 and 17 spent an average of 16 hours per week on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. That’s an increase from just 10 hours per week in 2018. Year by year, these numbers continue to rise as social media becomes more integrated into their daily lives.
Yearly Trends: The Rise in Social Media Usage Among Children
2018: The Beginning of a Surge
In 2018, Australian children were just beginning to get hooked on social media, spending about 10 hours per week on these platforms.
2020: Pandemic-Fuelled Boom
By 2020, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, children’s screen time skyrocketed, reaching 13 hours per week as online platforms became a major source of social interaction and entertainment.
2023: An Unchecked Habit
In 2023, social media usage among children peaked at an average of 16 hours per week, with many kids now logging in multiple times daily. This consistent increase highlights the growing dependence on these platforms.
What’s the Most Used Social Media Application Among Children?
As of 2024, TikTok reigns supreme among Australian children, with over 70% of kids between 10 and 17 using the app regularly. Instagram and Snapchat follow closely, but TikTok’s short-form videos and endless scrolling feed have proven highly addictive.
The Purpose: Why Are Kids So Drawn to Social Media?
The reasons children turn to social media are varied:
- Entertainment: Videos, memes, and challenges provide endless fun.
- Connection: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow kids to stay connected with friends.
- Identity and Expression: Social media is a place where kids can experiment with their identities, try out new trends, and express themselves in ways they might not feel comfortable doing offline.
Peer Pressure: A Major Driver
Social media is a space where peer pressure thrives. Children feel the need to keep up with trends, post regularly, and accumulate likes and followers to maintain social standing among their peers. This pressure can lead to unhealthy comparisons, anxiety, and even cyberbullying, where children may be ridiculed for not fitting in or for not participating in popular online trends.
Parental Concerns and Controls
Many Australian parents are alarmed by the amount of time their children spend on social media. Concerns about exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of these platforms have led some parents to seek more control over their children’s online habits.
How Can Parents Manage Their Child’s Social Media Usage?
There are a few tools and strategies available for parents:
- Parental Control Apps: These allow parents to set time limits on social media usage or block certain apps entirely.
- In-App Settings: Many platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, have introduced tools that enable parents to monitor and limit their child’s usage.
- Open Communication: Encouraging children to talk openly about their online experiences can also help mitigate risks.
What Is the Australian Government Doing About It?
With concerns over social media’s impact on young people, the Australian Government has taken steps to address the issue. Most notably, in 2024, Australia proposed an age limit for social media use. This is part of a broader push to protect children’s mental health and well-being. The government plans to:
- Ban social media use for children under 16 unless they have explicit parental consent.
- Introduce stricter data privacy regulations to protect children from online predators and inappropriate content.
- Collaborate with tech companies to implement stronger age verification systems.
According to Sussan Ley, Australia’s Deputy Opposition Leader, these measures aim to create a safer online environment and “reduce the pressures that young people face when it comes to social media.”
Conclusion
The impact of social media on Australian children is undeniable. With rising usage, increased peer pressure, and growing concerns about mental health, it is crucial that both parents and the government work together to create a safer, more balanced digital environment. By implementing better parental controls and government regulations, Australia is taking important steps to address these concerns and protect the next generation from the harmful effects of social media.
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