The Documentary Podcast Australia’s under-16 social media ban
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Dec 6, 2025 Sherry-Anne, a concerned parent from New South Wales, highlights the risks of social media addiction and harmful content that young people face, supporting the under-16 ban. In contrast, Courtney, a creator mom, passionately defends the opportunities social media offers her children, arguing that the ban threatens their creative ventures and income. The discussion reveals a complex interplay between safety, mental health, and the evolving landscape of youth content creation, with young creators advocating for the removal of harmful content rather than a blanket ban.
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Family Earnings From Content Creation
- Courtney and her son Kyan built a family income from creating content on TikTok.
- Kyan began making lifestyle and tech videos from about age 12½ and now earns substantial views.
Parent Feels Overwhelmed By Screens
- Sherry-Anne describes managing four children in a tech-saturated household and constant monitoring.
- She likens social media to a drug that 'spirals out of control' if parents don't actively supervise.
Set Limits And Monitor Use
- Use monitoring, screen-time limits and content filters to manage children's online use.
- Balance oversight with trust to avoid invasive surveillance while protecting kids.