‘Blunt-force approach’: LGBTQ+ advocates say proposed teen social media ban overlooks benefits

Amelia says that as a teen social media provided the chance ‘to learn about the different identities and to also seek that community support’. Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian

When Amelia was growing up as a queer teenager on the outskirts of Melbourne, social media helped them find community.

“I was very much on the outer suburbs of the greater Melbourne area, which isn’t very well-known for having community spaces and community events and social supports for LGBTQ+ young people,” says Amelia, who is now 23.