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Australia's 12-Month Social Media Ban for Under-16s: US Experts' Views

2024-12-09

In just 12 months, Australia is set to implement the most stringent social media law globally. This law specifically prohibits users under 16 years old from using social media platforms. In Bay County, Michigan, ABC12 had a conversation with a local high school counselor to understand what is happening with social media in the US. The law passed by the Australian Parliament is the first of its kind and aims to safeguard children from the negative impacts of social media. However, it remains unclear how the country will enforce this law, and some believe that abruptly cutting off young people from social media may pose challenges.

Key Insights from the Australian Social Media Ban

Impact on Young Users

This ban on social media for those under 16 years old will have a significant impact on the lives of young users. It forces them to reevaluate their online activities and find alternative ways to connect and communicate. For example, many teenagers rely on social media to stay connected with friends and share their lives. With this ban in place, they will have to explore other channels, such as face-to-face interactions or traditional forms of communication. This could potentially lead to a decrease in social isolation among young people as they are forced to engage in more real-life interactions.However, it is also important to consider the potential negative consequences. Some young users may feel excluded or left behind if they are unable to use social media. They may miss out on important social and cultural trends that are shared on these platforms. Additionally, it may be difficult for parents and educators to monitor and guide their children's online activities without the help of social media.

Counselor's Perspective

Frank Bergquist, a counselor at Garber High School in Bay County, shares his insights on the social media ban. He believes that it will be interesting to see the data that emerges from this ban and how it can inform the rest of the world about how to handle social media rules. He also emphasizes that a large majority of the issues he sees at school are related to social media. This highlights the importance of addressing social media issues in schools and at home.Although he is not sure if a ban would work in the US, he believes that education is the key. Schools and parents need to work together to educate young people about the safety and risks of social media. This includes teaching them how to protect their personal information, how to handle cyberbullying, and how to use social media responsibly. By providing early education and guidance, we can help young people develop healthy attitudes and behaviors towards social media.

Enforcement Challenges

Enforcing the social media ban in Australia presents several challenges. One of the main issues is how to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms. Platforms would be fined up to $50 million if they fail to prevent these underage users from having accounts. This creates a financial incentive for platforms to take action, but it also requires them to have effective verification and monitoring systems in place.Another challenge is how to deal with existing social media accounts of underage users. Some children may already have accounts before the ban takes effect, and it will be difficult to remove them all. Additionally, there may be issues with cross-border enforcement, as social media platforms operate globally. This requires international cooperation and coordination to ensure that the ban is effectively enforced.In conclusion, the upcoming strictest social media law in Australia is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing social media issues, including education, enforcement, and international cooperation. By working together, we can help protect young people from the harms of social media and ensure that they have a safe and healthy online environment.

In the world of college athletics, several standout performances have been witnessed. These athletes from Columbus East have made their marks on the courts and pools. Let's take a closer look at their achievements.

Columbus East Athletes Shine in College Sports

Saige Stahl's Impact on Indiana State Basketball

Saige Stahl, a sophomore from Columbus East, truly left her mark in Friday's game. She recorded an impressive 14 points and two steals while leading Indiana State with nine rebounds in a tough 33-minute battle. In Tuesday's 83 - 67 loss at Marquette, Stahl contributed nine points, five rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes. Her consistent presence on the court shows her value to the team.In another game, she demonstrated her all-around skills, constantly fighting for every possession and making crucial plays. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes her a key player for Indiana State.

Nicholas Schiavello's Performance for Case Western Reserve

Nicholas Schiavello, a fifth-year senior from Columbus North, had a notable showing in Saturday's game. He netted 13 points, along with three rebounds and one blocked shot in just 19 minutes. In Wednesday's 96 - 75 loss at Kalamazoo, he led CWRU with two steals and added three rebounds and an assist.Schiavello's experience and leadership on the court are evident in his performances. He knows how to make an impact in limited minutes and is a valuable asset to the team.

Daniel Murphy's Dominance for Olivet Nazarene

Daniel Murphy, a junior from Columbus East, was a force to be reckoned with. In Thursday's 74 - 62 win against St. Francis (Illinois), he recorded 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist while leading Olivet Nazarene with seven steals in 36 minutes. On Saturday, he took his game to another level with 16 points, five rebounds, four steals, and four assists in the 91 - 75 win against Judson.Murphy's ability to control the game and make big plays is what sets him apart. He is a key contributor on both ends of the floor and leads by example.

Blake Barker's Heroics in Army Basketball

Blake Barker, a senior from Columbus North, had a memorable performance in Tuesday's 103 - 100 triple-overtime win against Le Moyne. He recorded seven points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 39 minutes. However, in Sunday's 103 - 84 loss to Cornell, he still managed to contribute with six points and one rebound in 18 minutes.Barker's tenacity and ability to perform in high-pressure situations are what make him a standout player. He gives his all on the court and is a key part of Army's success.

Kylah Lawson's Role with the University of Indianapolis

Kylah Lawson, a junior from Columbus North, played an important role in Thursday's 64 - 49 loss at Missouri - St. Louis. She recorded three points, four rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes. In Saturday's 76 - 73 loss at Maryville (Missouri), she had four rebounds and two assists while leading the Greyhounds with two blocked shots in 18 minutes.Lawson's defense and rebounding skills are valuable to the team. She is a hard worker and always gives her best on the court.

Brady Beyer's Achievement in the 1,650 Freestyle

Brady Beyer, a freshman from Columbus East, had a remarkable finish in Friday's 1,650-yard freestyle. He swam 15 minutes, 59.81 seconds and finished fifth in Cincinnati's 184.5 to 107.5 dual - meet loss at Indiana.Beyer's determination and hard work in the pool are evident. His performance shows his potential and the promise he holds for the future.

Join us in this episode of What’s New at CFI as we delve deep into the E aspect of ESG. Our latest offering is a mini module comprising three courses, each dedicated to environmental, social, and governance issues and financial materiality. Today, we kick off by focusing on environmental issues, which often stand out as the most tangible and easily understood among ESG topics.

Discover the Environmental Impact in ESG with CFI

Environmental Issues: The Foundation of ESG

Environmental issues such as climate change, natural resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss have a profound impact on our planet and, consequently, on businesses. These issues not only pose potential risks but also present significant opportunities. For instance, companies that proactively address environmental challenges can gain a competitive edge and enhance their brand reputation. Noah Miller explains, "We're really talking about what are the environmental issues that impact the planet and businesses. This course specifically drills into a bottom-up approach to addressing the material risks and opportunities each issue presents."In today's business landscape, having a good handle on these environmental issues is crucial. It allows businesses to make informed decisions and develop strategies that align with sustainable development. Whether it's through reducing carbon emissions or conserving natural resources, companies that take environmental responsibility seriously are more likely to thrive in the long run.

How Environmental Issues Impact Investors and Business Operators

Environmental issues can have a direct impact on investors and business operators. For investors, understanding these issues is essential for managing risks and identifying potential opportunities. As Noah Miller notes, "Being able to connect the dots between environmental issues and their implications for finance entities and companies is the key to success in this era of ESG."Business operators, on the other hand, need to be aware of the environmental factors that can affect their operations. This includes everything from sourcing sustainable materials to implementing energy-efficient processes. By addressing environmental issues, businesses can improve their operational efficiency and reduce costs in the long term.

The Difference between the Mini Module Series and Existing ESG Specializations

When it comes to ESG specializations, the mini module series offers a unique perspective. As Meeyeon asks, "How does the mini module series differ from our existing ESG specialization? And should one take one or the other first?" Noah Miller provides insights, stating, "If you're someone trying to integrate environmental issues into due diligence or working in an ESG-related function, this mini module provides a fundamental understanding of the issues on the ground. It's a good starting point for those looking to build a practical, actionable approach."While existing ESG specializations may cover these topics in more depth, the mini module series focuses on providing a quick and practical introduction. It's designed to help professionals quickly get up to speed on environmental issues and their implications for finance and business.

ESG and Job Opportunities: The Focus on E

In the world of finance, ESG is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Job postings for investment managers and other finance professionals often call out the E in their requirements. As Noah Miller explains, "E gets a bulk of the attention because the most expensive and studied risks and opportunities are around climate change. It touches every aspect of the planet and presents lucrative decarbonization opportunities."For example, insurance brokers need to conduct climate risk management analysis, and certain markets have emission reduction requirements. This highlights the growing demand for professionals with expertise in environmental issues. As LinkedIn's green skills assessment shows, there is an eight to one ratio of demand versus supply, indicating a significant opportunity in this field.

Evaluating Investments against the E: A Pension Fund's Perspective

Meeyeon shares her experience working at a pension fund a few years ago. They had the intention to incorporate ESG into their investments but struggled with how to evaluate against the E. Noah Miller responds, "This course is tactical in nature, focusing on specific environmental issues and their implications. It helps professionals rapidly acquaint themselves with these issues and speak to them in a commercial context."By understanding the environmental aspects of investments, pension funds and other financial institutions can make more informed decisions and align their portfolios with sustainable development goals.