Part 2/11:
One of the key points highlighted in recent discussions is the apparent inconsistency within Australian policy and societal attitudes toward age and maturity. On one hand, the government argues that teenagers under 16 are not equipped to navigate social media safely, citing concerns over mental health, exposure to harmful content, and data privacy issues.
On the other hand, some politicians advocate for giving 16-year-olds the right to vote—an entirely different matter that assumes a level of maturity and decision-making capability. This juxtaposition underscores a broader hypocrisy: if society deems teenagers capable of participating in national elections, why limit their access to tools that are integral to modern education and social interaction?