Australia's Bill To Ban Social Media For Kids: Monash University Says It Reflects Lack Of Understanding

Today, Australia's government introduced a bill in parliament to protect young kids under 16 from social media. Monash University has said that it reflects the government's lack of understanding.

Study in Australia: The government today introduced a bill to ban social media for young children. The country wants to try an age-verification system for social media which can include biometrics to enforce the bill. Monash University has said that this bill reflects the government's lack of understanding.

Monash University, which is part of the Group of Eight in Australia, said that while entering into an election year, the government wants to appear strong through this bill, however, this bill will not be able to prevent youngsters from social media's harmful effects.

The university said that there is a lack of consensus on whether such a ban will have a negative or positive impact on young kids.

"Social research has for well over a decade pointed to enormous benefits of social media for young people’s identity formation, as well as their scope to build community. This has been especially important for marginalized young people, such as young refugees and/or those in the queer community," said the Monash University statement.

Monash Academics Recognised Among Global Top 1%

Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researcher list for 2024 includes 23 Monash academics. This list is issued every year and it identifies the top 1% of international scientists.

Monash University Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice President, Mike Ryan commented, “Monash is home to so much incredible research talent. These Clarivate rankings illustrate how our researchers are contributing to, leading and influencing the global academy. We are thrilled to have so many of the University's researchers acknowledged for their high-quality work across a range of research areas.”

Monash-led Research For High Cholesterol Treatment

Monash University and Monash Health have partnered on projects to find treatment for high cholesterol. The projects intend to develop the first effective drug for two types of high cholesterol which puts people at risk of stroke and heart attack.

Monash Victorian Heart Institute and Victorian Heart Hospital Director, Professor Stephen Nicholls said, "Lp(a) is essentially a silent killer with no available treatment; this drug changes that,” Professor Nicholls said. “When it comes to treating high Lp(a), a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, our clinicians currently have no effective tools in their kit. This drug is a game-changer in more ways than one. Not only do we have an option for lowering an elusive form of cholesterol, but being able to deliver it in an oral tablet means it will be more accessible for patients.”

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