SOCIAL MEDIA

It seems likely that the Government will take action to restrict use by under 16’s. This has been done in numerous countries already, most notably Australia. Personally I am too old to have first hand experience as a parent. Also I wonder how it will work? I would suspect that many children will find a way to overcome any ban, however those who are vulnerable should be protected. I would also call on the tech companies to do more to fund safety measures. They are rich enough! Registration of all phones and appliances could be mandatory – which could also result in less online abuse and hatred. I suppose hacking could become easier? As usual I am uncertain! The right wing shouts for freedom of expression – but what have they to hide; apart from lies and untruths? It is not censorship, just protecting children from vile abuse and cyber bullying. As a teacher I welcome the use of mobile phones to access information, a ban on social media would enable educational use of mobile phones in the classroom. Two memorable examples were “what shape are raindrops?” and “how do they tell the time in the space shuttle?”.