Digital media researchers are suggesting that online video games might soon fall under Australia’s federal government’s forthcoming social media ban for children under 16. Currently, this ban does not include online services whose primary function is to allow users to play games together. However, Brendan Keogh, an associate professor at the Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre, has expressed concerns regarding the ambiguity of the definitions within the ban.
Dr. Keogh stated, “I still have questions about how much any minister of the day can change what is or isn’t excluded from those central definitions.” His apprehensions reflect a broader unease within the video game industry regarding the permanence of the current exclusions for online gaming.
This discussion comes in the backdrop of significant legislative changes in Australia aimed at enhancing online safety for youth. The Australian government is set to enforce a ban that would limit access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16, a move largely driven by rising concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content online. Influential platforms like YouTube were previously excluded due to their educational role; however, allegations regarding the platform’s negative impacts on young users have prompted reevaluations of such exemptions.
As the federal government reinforces stringent regulations on social media, concerns within the gaming community highlight the need for clear, stable definitions in legislative language to ensure that children are both protected and able to engage in wholesome online gaming experiences. This ongoing dialogue around digital regulations symbolizes a proactive approach to safeguarding young users while fostering a healthier online environment. The hope is that continued discussions will lead to effective measures balancing safety and the benefits of digital interactions for children and teenagers.
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