This is one of those things where I think lots of us have this preconceived idea in our heads that social media can’t be good for kids, like… to me, it can be really depressing and isolating, and a really negative place to be.

But it absolutely has its benefits as well. I have learned so much from interacting with people different from myself. Honestly, I think that if it wasn’t for social media, I wouldn’t be anywhere near as compassionate and empathetic as I am today - or at least, as I try to be.

The research into how social media affects young people does not, in my opinion, justify any sort of restriction or ban. Yes, there are kids for whom social media is a really negative experience, but there are also lots of kids for whom it is a vital lifeline.

As a queer person, growing up in the early internet age actually gave me hope that there was some place in this world for me, and that I could love and be loved. If I didn’t have that, I cannot imagine that my mental health would have been good.

I think, if anything, there should be restrictions placed on algorithmic curation, because that’s where social media is doing the harm really.

So for those reasons, I am absolutely opposed to nationwide blanket bans on social media. Kids have rights too, and we should not unnecessarily restrict their liberty, even if we are acting in their best interests.