YouTube shorts are like ‘pokies for kids’

TikTok and YouTube shorts have become the new “poker machines” for children, the Education Minister has warned, as parents grapple with a surge in kids’ addiction to social media platforms.

Jason Clare said the federal government had legitimate reasons to investigate the harmful impacts of online apps after it launched a senate inquiry into social media companies.

The probe, announced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland on Thursday, will look into how algorithms on apps determine what users see, spread extremist material and disinformation, and affect mental health and wellbeing. A move by Facebook’s parent company Meta to abandon deals with media companies will also be investigated.

“We now know social media is pretty toxic, right, for our kids. Just talking about the impact on children, things like TikTok and YouTube shorts are like poker machines for kids. Just addictive,” Mr Clare said on Friday.

“Mums and dads are grappling with that across the country, but it affects all of us.”

Leaders have been quick to condemn social media platforms that they blame for the rapid circulation of false information and violent footage spread in the aftermath of two stabbing attacks in NSW.

Mr Clare said false information and fake news shared in the wake of the attacks had exacerbated displays of social unrest.

“When you’ve got misinformation, flat-out lies on social media, it can lead to riots like we saw at Wakeley,” the minister said.