Oprah Winfrey praises Australia’s pioneering social media ban for children, saying it will improve real-world socialisation for a generation.
SYDNEY: American media icon Oprah Winfrey has publicly endorsed Australia’s forthcoming ban on social media for children under 16.
Speaking at an event in Sydney, Winfrey said the landmark law would help young people develop better social skills.
“I think you’re going to change the lives of an entire generation of kids who are going to have better lives,” Winfrey said, according to local media reports.
The ban, set to take effect on December 10, will block access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for minors.
Winfrey expressed particular concern about the internet’s impact on young boys and their ability to form real-world relationships.
“There are all of these young people who cannot actually communicate or have a conversation, particularly young boys because they become addicted to porn so early and don’t know how to actually ask somebody out on a date,” she said.
The Australian government states the ban is designed to protect youth from harmful content and online predators.
“So once again, Australia leads the way for the rest of the world,” Winfrey added.
The policy is a world-first, carrying potential fines for non-compliance of up to A$49.5 million.
Most major social media platforms have indicated they will adhere to the new regulations.
Australia’s internet regulator reports that 96% of teenagers under 16, over one million individuals, currently have social media accounts. – Reuters
