Beyond the School Gates: Why Protecting Kids Online Starts in the Classroom, Not Just at Home

The article discusses the Australian government's digital duty of care legislation, which has been criticized by the Coalition and One Nation as a threat to freedom. The author, Peter Lewis, argues that the legislation is not about restricting freedom but about holding tech companies accountable for the harmful impacts of their products. He explains that the political right's opposition is based on a false dichotomy between safety and freedom, which has contributed to the toxic online environment. The legislation would allow users to opt out of algorithms and choose how their feeds operate, promoting user control and safety. Lewis draws parallels to real-world safety regulations, such as workplace safety laws, where employers are required to provide safe environments. He emphasizes that the legislation is part of broader structural reforms, alongside privacy laws, to reset how the internet functions by enforcing standards on data collection and usage. The author argues that the focus should be on building accountability into the internet rather than allowing tech companies to operate with impunity. The legislation addresses real online harms, including child exploitation, mental health issues among teenagers, and the erosion of truth in online communities. Lewis concludes that the debate should center on agreeing that online services should be safe and accountable, rather than engaging in a false freedom war.

The Australian government has announced a new plan to force social media companies to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of their users.