Round Table China Are social media bans pointless?
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Aug 5, 2025 Australia's new ban on social media for users under 16 raises questions about protecting young people online. The discussion contrasts these measures with China's approach, which focuses on regulation without outright bans. They explore the complexities of social media's impact on mental health, weighing educational benefits against risks of harmful content. The ingenuity of youth in bypassing these restrictions also gets attention, alongside a creative highlight from the arts bridging cultures.
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Australia's Partial Social Media Ban
- Australia's ban restricts under-16s from social media accounts but allows viewing content.
- The ban targets active engagement to reduce online harm but permits passive consumption.
YouTube's Social Media Classification
- Debate exists over whether YouTube counts as social media.
- Australia added YouTube to the ban after research showed high online harm to children there.
Broad Chinese Social Media Definition
- Social media in China is broadly defined to include multifunctional platforms with social features.
- Apps like WeChat and ecommerce sites have integrated social engagement, blurring strict categories.