If one wishes more information on children’s use of the internet, it can be found here:
https://aifs.gov.au/publications/effects-pornography-children-and-young-people-snapshot
What is concerning is the point ‘Nearly half of children between the ages of 9-16 experience regular exposure to sexual images.’ Is this acceptable and concerning? I would say it isn’t acceptable and it is very concerning.
Whilst parents have a role in educating and monitoring their children’s internet use, there are many parents who provide their children with connected devices who have no interest in doing such.
Should the government take an active role in ensuring that children are protected by socially accepted adult content or activities on the internet? It could be easily argued that it should, as it online content should be treated no differently to its role in regulating the age limits for gambling or adult content (restricted movies, publications or performances).
What is worth noting that only adults can purchase restricted materials (those restricted to censorship laws) from a newsagent, or allowed to gamble in a casino or purchase entry to lottery, but online, there are no checks in relation to the age of the viewer/purchaser.
It is unlikely to prevent all children accessing such online content…but it possibly might prevent some from experiencing adult concepts or activities at an age that is deemed socially inappropriate.
A a parent, providing that any such laws are effective, they have my support. Access to such materials is also often discussed between parents…so I expect there would be many other parents who would also support action being taken.
