Louis here.
I’ve been thinking about the social media ban for under 16s in Australia.
In human years I am well under 16, which apparently makes me part of the problem. I would like to register an objection, politely and with excellent posture.
From my vantage point on the couch, I have been listening to humans debate social media age limits. There are strong feelings, long articles, worried parents, frustrated teens, and a lot of confident opinions typed very quickly. As a dog, I am impressed by the energy. As a young dog, I am even more impressed by how hard it is to keep young beings safe while they figure out the world.
Here is what I know. Puppies need boundaries.
Not because they are naughty, but because the world is big, loud and sometimes dangerous. Human children seem much the same, except with phones instead of power cords. If the adults are arguing about rules, that usually means they are trying, even if they do not always agree on how.
I do not think it is my place to decide whether bans work or not. I chew treats, not policy.
But I do think the focus on safety matters. Brains are still growing. Confidence is still forming. Pack behaviour can get messy online, and there is no stern look from an older dog to pull things back into line.
Also, I must address the story about the teenager who allegedly tweeted from her mum’s smart fridge. Whether it is true or not, I respect the creativity. I have tried to access snacks using intelligence alone. It rarely ends well. Perhaps the point is this. Kids will always find workarounds. That does not mean adults should stop setting limits. It means guidance, care and ongoing conversation matter more than any single rule.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need a walk and possibly a nap.
Louis x
