SUPPORT B416:KEEP SOCIAL MEDIA 16+
Local mum Flicka Williams is one of the driving forces behind the growing grassroots movement B416, a new charity campaigning for age restrictions to be introduced for social media.
The group is putting a spotlight on the harms caused by social media, and asking the onus to be put on platforms to ensure children are protected from these products.
“It’s the same as tobacco and alcohol – children cannot access these products,” says Flicka. “It’s a bit of a ‘seatbelt moment’. We’ve changed societal norms like this before to keep kids safe. And, as a society, when the evidence becomes too strong to ignore, you have to change things. This is one of those moments.”
B416 is made up of concerned parents, doctors, academics, tech professionals, and educators. It has the backing of high- profile people including fellow local mum Matilda Green.
“Social media is not designed for children, and mounting evidence shows that its impact on mental health, self-esteem and well-being is both real and deeply concerning,” Flicka says. “Once parents are given a break with age restriction they’ll be able to focus on the things children deserve to grow and develop without the pressures of the online world.”
B416 is not about banning technology or keeping kids in the dark. It is about recognising that young, developing brains are more vulnerable to addictive algorithms and social comparison, and giving them the chance to mature before stepping into a digital environment that can be difficult even for adults to manage. Sign the petition at the website below.