The Great Australian Social Media Ban: Fixing a Broken System or Just Breaking It More?
0Guest:Jaqueline (JJ) JayneJJ has worked with people and technology for over 25 years, wearing multiple hats, resulting in an enviable breadth and depth of experience, insights and knowledge. She successfully led a security awareness and training program that resulted in a strong security culture and observable behaviour change. Over the last 5-years, JJ worked at KnowBe4, where she quickly established herself as a trusted voice in the region. Now, JJ consults and advises organisations, appears at conferences and events with her thought leadership, and provides insights across all forms of media.On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinejayne/Website: https://www.jacquelinejayne.com.au/
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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society & Technology Podcast
Visit Marco's website 👉 https://www.marcociappelli.com/ _____________________________
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Show Notes Blog:
Jacqueline Jayne | LinkedIn
What happens when a government decides to “fix” a problem by banning it outright? That’s the question on the table as Australia pushes forward with a law prohibiting social media access for kids under 16.
But let’s be real—does banning ever work?
Jacqueline Jayne, aka JJ, joins me to dissect this decision, what it means for kids, parents, and the future of digital society. JJ, a cybersecurity and human risk expert, argues that while the dangers of social media are undeniable—cyberbullying, exploitation, and mental health risks—the solution isn’t prohibition. Instead, we need real education, both for kids and, more importantly, for the adults who are supposed to guide them.
Think about it. If we let our kids drive at 16, it’s because we’ve spent years teaching them road safety. But when it comes to digital life, we throw them a smartphone at 10 and then panic when they don’t know how to use it responsibly. And now, instead of teaching, we just… ban?
Let’s not forget the unintended consequences. Cutting off access doesn’t eliminate social media—it just drives kids to sneakier, potentially more dangerous alternatives. VPNs, fake accounts, dark web forums—when you push something underground, it often gets worse, not better. And what about the kids who rely on online spaces for community, education, and connection? Do we really want to isolate them further?
So, what now? JJ and I discuss what’s next, how governments, parents, and society can actually address the risks of social media without resorting to the digital equivalent of a temper tantrum. Because in the end, this isn’t just about Australia—this conversation is global.
Are we going to keep throwing laws at problems we don’t fully understand, or are we finally going to start taking education and digital literacy seriously?
Listen in, question everything, and don’t forget—don’t click on that s**t!
Let me know what you think! Share your thoughts, questions, or even your debates—I’d love to hear them. And, of course, don’t forget to subscribe to Redefining Society & Technology for more conversations like this.
Stay tuned for the next episode!Marco Ciappelli_____________________________
Resources/ReferencesEpisode recorded with JJ in Melbourne during Australian Cybersecurity Conference 2025 Balancing Technology and Human Awareness in Cyber Defense: Strategies for Families and Organizations | An Australian Cyber Conference 2024 in Melbourne Conversation with Jacqueline Jayne | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappellihttps://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com/episodes/balancing-technology-and-human-awareness-in-cyber-defense-strategies-for-families-and-organizations-an-australian-cyber-conference-2024-in-melbourne-conversation-with-jacqueline-jayne-on-location-coverage-with-sean-martin-and-marco-ciappelli____________________________
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