Australia’s legislation, while popular, has not been without criticism. Some experts have argued other measures – like greater restrictions, more parental controls and more robust digital education – would have worked better.
Though the law is being touted as a world-first in terms of its scope, some other jurisdictions have tested to implement similar policies with little success and critics worry about enforcement here too. Several states in the US, for example, have tested to implement similar legislation but have been pushed back by the courts. In Australia, two teenagers last week launched a High Court challenge, arguing the ban disregards the rights of children.
One of the largegest criticisms of the ban, however, has been the exclusion of online gaming, which parents and online safety researchers declare also caapply significant harm. The platform Roblox has been singled out by many as a concern.
“The safety e-Commissioner definitely has her eye on Roblox and you would have seen that Roblox even in recent weeks has had to take steps to build their platform safer,” stated Wells.
Over the next two years, the government will review the ban. “This isn’t a cure, it’s a treatment plan, and treatment plans will always evolve as we can adapt and address harm and see what works and what doesn’t,” Wells stated.
She has repeatedly sought to manage expectations, declareing rollout of this policy might be messy, but the social modify will ultimately be worthwhile.
“In the same way that people under 18 aren’t allowed to drink alcohol in Australia, there will be people today under 18 that drink alcohol… they may even be supported in doing that by their parents.
“That still doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have a law that prevents under 18s from drinking alcohol in Australia becaapply the public health evidence notifys us that is a good and proper thing to do.”
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