# The Failing Social Media Ban

## 🎯 The Goal: A Legal Framework to Protect Kids

The Australian government’s plan to ban social media for teens has sparked debate. While the intention is noble—protecting minors from online risks—it’s clear the technical and legal hurdles are massive. Instead of relying on “facial aging” or “Proof of Age” APIs, which are prone to privacy violations and data breaches, the government should focus on **legal accountability**. Parents deserve tools that let them make decisions about their children’s tech use without needing to hand over photos of their ID. The current approach is a “sunk cost” of bureaucracy. Instead of trying to outsource the problem to consultants, the government should **educate parents on the tools already available**.

## 🧩 The Problem: Tech Giants Won’t Do It

The government’s plan to use facial recognition or “age-based” filters is flawed from the start. These systems are expensive, unreliable, and not designed for the scale of a national rollout. Even if a company like Meta or Google could do it, they’d **never** do it for the same reason: **no money in the equation**. The only alternative is to **outsource to consultants**, but those consultants are **not equipped to handle the complexity**. The government’s plan is a “tech-savvy” joke—no one is going to build a system that’s 100% accurate, secure, and compliant with privacy laws.

## 🛠️ The Tools Parents Already Have

Instead of waiting for the government to fix this, parents should be using the **tools already in their homes**. These tools are **free, secure, and effective**.

### 📱 Internet Control

*   **Fritz Box Parental Controls** (https://en.fritz.com/service/knowledge-base/dok/FRITZ-Box-7530/8_Restricting-internet-use-with-the-FRITZ-Box-parental-controls/) - Allows blocking of websites and apps, setting time limits, and creating user profiles.
*   **Microsoft Family Safety** (https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-365/family-safety) - Provides screen time limits, content filters, and activity reporting.
*   **Nintendo Parental Controls** (https://www.nintendo.com/au/apps/parental-controls/) - Allows managing game time, content restrictions, and communication settings on Nintendo devices.
*   **Google Family Link** (https://families.google.com/familylink/) - Enables remote monitoring, app management, and location tracking for children's Android devices.
*   **Apple Family Sharing** (https://support.apple.com/en-au/105121) - Allows sharing purchases, subscriptions, and location information with family members.

These tools let parents **block apps, limit screen time, and monitor online activity** without needing to share sensitive data.

## 📚 The Real Solution: Education, Not Tech

The government’s plan is a **mistake**. Instead of trying to build a new system, parents should be **educating themselves on the tools already available**.

### 🔄 Flexibility for Every Family

*   **Approved apps**
*   **Blacklisted content**
*   **Screen time limits**
*   **Privacy controls**

These tools let parents **make decisions tailored to their children’s needs**. No one-size-fits-all approach.

## 🧩 Why the Government’s Plan Fails

The government’s plan is a **disaster**. It’s not about fixing the tech, it’s about **forcing a tech company to do something they won’t do**. The tools parents already have are **better, cheaper, and more secure**. The only way to make this work is for the government to **stop trying to outsource the problem** and **focus on the real solution: education and parental control**.

## 📝 Summary: The Right Tools, Not the Tech

The government’s plan is a **sunk cost**. Instead of trying to build a system that’s 100% accurate and secure, parents should be using the **tools already in their homes**. These tools are **free, effective, and legally compliant**. They let parents **make decisions about their children’s tech use** without needing to hand over sensitive data.

## 🧩 Final Thoughts

The government’s plan is a **disaster**. It’s not about tech, it’s about **forcing a tech company to do something they won’t do**. Parents should be using the **tools already in their homes**. The real solution is not to wait for the government to fix this, but to **educate themselves on the tools that already exist**.

## 📝 Notes for Editors

*   **Use bold** for key terms (e.g., “facial aging,” “Proof of Age”).
*   **List tools** with brief explanations.
*   **Highlight the contrast** between the government’s plan and the tools parents have.
*   **Include links** to the tools for easy access.
*   **Add a note** about the Australian context (e.g., the ABC article).