I grew up as a closeted queer kid in rural Australia, before the internet was widely available. I had zero connection with other queer kids, and no way to develop the language or connections that I needed to help me understand what was going on.
Social media gives that to queer kids. It lets them find their peers and know that they’re not alone. It gives them people to talk to and support them when they’re bullied (which they will be, even without social media).
I grew up as a closeted queer kid in rural Australia, before the internet was widely available. I had zero connection with other queer kids, and no way to develop the language or connections that I needed to help me understand what was going on.
Social media gives that to queer kids. It lets them find their peers and know that they’re not alone. It gives them people to talk to and support them when they’re bullied (which they will be, even without social media).
This “protects” some vulnerable kids by throwing other vulnerable kids under the bus. Whilst at the same time, setting the way for legislation like this https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-11/age-verification-search-engines/105516256, which is what it’s really about.