Tech giant Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates said that it is probably “smart” to ban all under-16s from social media, reports Independent.
Amid widespread concern about the impact of social media, Australia’s parliament voted last month to ban all under-16s from such technology platforms, marking one of the world’s strictest measures against internet use for minors.
Under the new rules, set to come into full effect within a year, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will be required block under-16 users or risk fines of up to $49.5m.
Speaking about his own relationship with technology as a child, Gates told the BBC: “Everything that comes along can be used in excess. I mean there are people who think their kids read too much and they should get outside and play.”
Put to him that the same applies to mobile phones, the billionaire continued: “I think that’s legitimate – same thing with video games, social networking even more.”
“We know we have to think a lot, particularly about how kids use it, but also even when adults do.”
Asked whether he would take a view on what age his own grandchild should have access to social media, he said: “I think this idea of holding kids back until say age 16, which apparently Australia is going to try to do, I think it’ll be fascinating to see if that’s beneficial.
“I think there’s a good chance that that’s a smart thing.”
Speaking about the Australian ban, prime minister Anthony Albanese previously acknowledged that protecting every child would be difficult, but told parents that the government has “got your back”.
Albanese said: “We know that technology moves fast. No government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat – but we have to do all we can. Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map – no generation has faced this challenge before.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
