The proposal to enforce age verification is a digital overreach of epic proportions. 

Let’s be real; kids will find ways around it. VPNs, fake accounts, borrowing mum’s phone – these are easy workarounds that render the policy ineffective from the get go. 

What Australians need is a robust policy that actually addresses online safety, not an ill-conceived idea that puts everyone’s privacy on the line. 

Shutting under 16s out of social media is not the answer. Social media is where you express yourself, connect with friends and even learn new skills. When someone drowns we do not outlaw water. We may put up fencing around the pool or tell people to swim between the flags where lifeguards can see them. 

Rather than bluntly revoking access to social media, we should be focusing on teaching digital literacy, enhancing protections and investing in mental health support. 

The truth is this so-called ban will fail. It will drive activity underground, making it harder, not easier, to address the real concerns presented by cyberbullying and other harmful content. 

So let’s call on any newly elected Government to scrap this Bill and rethink the approach. Let’s Craft a policy that protects young people’s safety and their rights.