This discussion captures a lot of my own feelings about banning social media for people under the age of 16. I mean, I get the desire to protect them from harm, but where were these same people when under-16s were being subjected to relentless advertising on radio and TV? Let's be clear about where the harm comes from. It's mostly not from under-16s talking to each other; it's from people using the under-16s social spaces for advertising, misinformation and propaganda. The only reason for the ban is that it's easier to control under-16s than it is to control market forces and predatory industries. Young people should have a space where they can express themselves, interact, form associations, and build their own understanding of the world. It is up to us - the adults in the room - to make it safe. Not to kill it.
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