this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2026
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[โ€“] TheTetrapod@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This whole argument is part of why I never want children. Having unfettered internet access was a hugely formative, largely positive aspect of my childhood, and I would hate to deny that to my children, but I obviously know that you should.

[โ€“] Zagorath@quokk.au 1 points 1 day ago

Apparently a lot of people disagree that it's even a good idea.

I grew up without much parental oversight online. And I'm glad for it. But today's algorithmic social media didn't exist when I was young. I strongly opposed Australia's social media minimum age law when it was passed, and still do. But that was because of the manner in which it was passed, and the particulars of its approach.

If it had been done by mandating operating systems provide a feature like this. And by having the Minister designate sites it applies to, instead of applying everywhere, so he can designate Facebook, Instagram, and other sites with known harmful algorithms while not applying to the fediverse, I'd have enthusiastically supported it.

Ironically, this approach would have brought a kid today's experience online closer to what you and I grew up with than what no law whatsoever probably gives them.