Advocacy for Inclusion has warned of risks and unwanted consequences from the Federal government’s social media ban proposal for children and young people under 16 saying the ban could see young people with disabilities disconnected from education, connection, creative content, peer support and youth development.
In a submission to a rushed Federal Parliamentary inquiry last week which was endorsed by the Youth Coalition of the ACT we call for the amendments to not proceed.
We point to the value of social media as an accessible and available tool for information sharing, connection and participation in education, youth development and creative activities.
We point to risks presented by removing an accessible communication channel from people who have difficulty communication in other ways.
According to AFI head of policy Craig Wallace “when we assess a bill like this, we look at unintended consequences from well-meaning reform”
“It’s clear government haven’t given enough attention to the ways that online spaces and social media have become important avenues for children and young people with disability to stay connected and participate in education, social spaces, the economy and the community
“For instance, social media means that young people with rare conditions and disabilities can see that they are not alone especially in rural areas and provides a way to locate and join with supportive diagnostic information and peer support (which the NDIS review said was a much needed layer of missing Foundational Supports)
“It’s also true that social media and online spaces provide a viable way for children and young people with a disability, who may have a narrower range of opportunities to complete youth development programs by setting up an online community, micro business, fundraising space or peer support group.
“Social media provides a way for young people involved in their own support choices to find and share information about disability providers, including real world experiences and risks reported by other consumers, that is unavailable in other spaces like the governments ineffective online Disability gateway.
“Social media also represents one more avenue for vulnerable children and young people to connect with community and ring the alarm that something is wrong. This includes people who have difficulty with verbal communication but who find connection online.
“It is important that we address violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability including in online spaces. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability made 222 recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure people with disability live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“Sadly, the Federal government only fully adopted 13 of them. While the Royal Commission did not recommend age restrictions on social media, its hearings did highlight the risks people with disability face due to a lack of access and contact with spaces, places and communities that can detect abuse and hear people’s cries for help.
“It also highlighted the need for action on restrictive practices, guardianship reform, inclusive education, poverty and a range of protective mechanisms and investments, including family support.
“If the Federal government wants to improve the safety of children and young people with disability then adopting the recommendations from its own Royal Commission would be a great place to start”, Mr Wallace concluded.
Media Contacts
Craig Wallace, Head of Policy on 0477 200 755