Australia’s ban on under-16s using social media has ignited debate over balancing child safety with access to learning, creativity, and connection. As South Africa confronts rising online risks, the policy offers key lessons on shielding young users without widening digital divides. William Bird, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, warns that any approach must protect children while preserving their rights and opportunities online.

Australia&rsquo;s ban on under-16s using social media has ignited debate over balancing child safety with access to learning, creativity, and connection. As South Africa confronts rising online risks, the policy offers key lessons on shielding young users without widening digital divides. William Bird, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, warns that any approach must protect children while preserving their rights and opportunities online.

POWER Perspective is a talkback show hosted by Tessa Dooms. It typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of “Perspectivians” and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective is a talkback show hosted by Tessa Dooms. It typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of &ldquo;Perspectivians&rdquo; and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective

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Protecting Youth Online: Lessons from Australia’s Social Media Ban and Implications for South Africa

South Africa is driving new reforms to curb political interference and strengthen governance, aiming to ensure impartial, efficient public service delivery. The shift marks a significant move toward greater accountability amid changing political dynamics. Public Service Commission Chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni says the measures could reshape trust and professionalism across the state.

South Africa is driving new reforms to curb political interference and strengthen governance, aiming to ensure impartial, efficient public service delivery. The shift marks a significant move toward greater accountability amid changing political dynamics. Public Service Commission Chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni says the measures could reshape trust and professionalism across the state.

NEWSMAKER: South Africa Pushes New Reforms to Curb Political Interference and Strengthen Governance.

South Africans log the highest screen time globally—an average of 9.5 hours a day. This rising dependency disrupts sleep, concentration, and overall well-being, signalling a growing mental-health concern among adults. Counselling Psychologist and Wellifehub Inc. founder Nkateko Ndala-Magoro highlights the urgent need for healthier digital habits and balanced tech use.

South Africans log the highest screen time globally&mdash;an average of 9.5 hours a day. This rising dependency disrupts sleep, concentration, and overall well-being, signalling a growing mental-health concern among adults. Counselling Psychologist and Wellifehub Inc. founder Nkateko Ndala-Magoro highlights the urgent need for healthier digital habits and balanced tech use.

HEALTH FEATURE: Screen Dependency

South Africa’s planned absence from the 2026 G20 meetings — following U.S. exclusion over alleged human-rights concerns; marks a stark pause in Africa’s global representation. The move leaves the continent’s voice sidelined in high-stakes economic discussions. Senior researcher Mikatekiso Kubayi of the Institute for Global Dialogue warns this temporary break could weaken Africa’s influence at a time when global decisions demand inclusive perspectives.

South Africa&rsquo;s planned absence from the 2026 G20 meetings &mdash; following U.S. exclusion over alleged human-rights concerns; marks a stark pause in Africa&rsquo;s global representation. The move leaves the continent&rsquo;s voice sidelined in high-stakes economic discussions. Senior researcher Mikatekiso Kubayi of the Institute for Global Dialogue warns this temporary break could weaken Africa&rsquo;s influence at a time when global decisions demand inclusive perspectives.

Protecting Youth Online: Lessons from Australia’s Social Media Ban and Implications for South Africa

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