‘Ridiculousness’ of Australia’s social media ban summed up in single post on X [Video]

20:54 EST 29 Nov 2024, updated 02:44 EST 30 Nov 2024

A former Liberal has slammed Australia’s world-first social media ban, questioning why teens can legally fly planes or fire a gun but can’t use TikTok, Snapchat or Facebook.

Ex-NSW Liberal whip Peter Phelps, 56, took to X on Friday to criticise the ban, comparing activities under-16’s are lawfully permitted to do in NSW with social media sites they won’t be allowed to use.

He claimed it showed the ‘hypocrisy of the pearl-clutchers’ who ‘scream’ about how dangerous social media is for kids.

‘Things you can do in NSW if you are under 16,’ he began his post.

‘Learn to fly an aeroplane; possess and use a firearm; drive at 80kph in a Go-Kart.

‘Captain any non-commercial boat up to 20 knots; Own a speargun for recreational fishing; Abseiling; Scuba diving.

‘Join the Australian Army Cadet Corps; Drag racing; Change your sex.’

He then listed ‘things that you now …