Australia has passed a law to ban children under 16 years from using any form of social media. The reason behind this law is the impact of cyberbullying and the deterioration of mental health in youth because of social media. A few people were asked if a similar law was needed for Samoa.

Journalist Faith Leapai and photojournalist Junior S Ami posed the question to some members of the public and this is what they had to say.

Stewart Tolovae, 23, Tafagamanu Lefaga.

"I think it would be fair and reasonable if Samoa passed laws banning 16-year-olds and younger from using social media. Since children's lives move much more quickly than adults, I think social media negatively influences our kids, especially the younger ones. I also think that parents are the ones who allow their kids to use the internet without considering other options. When I was in school, one of the severe restrictions was that students could not use social media or bring phones to class. However, these days, 16-year-olds and younger are faster than their parents."

Lepa Ilalio, 18, Saleimoa 

"I strongly agree with the topic because I have younger siblings and cousins. I also wanted to prevent them from using social media because it is one of the reasons why other students become pregnant at a young age and get boyfriends at a young age, and I don't want my younger sisters to experience that. Social media puts the lives of many kids at risk, particularly when they are suffering or have gotten into arguments with their parents, siblings, or friends. The fact that the majority of today's youth use social media while I am here without a phone to access it and that it hurts other young children is something I cannot tolerate."

Tony Sao, 17, Malie and Sinamoga

"Social media use has benefits and drawbacks, particularly when it comes to relationships. I support the idea of legislation prohibiting children under the age of sixteen from using social media because I have experienced the negative effects of social media use, particularly when I was 15, from my previous connection with my ex-girlfriend. Since I'm getting older, I don't want any more young people to make the same mistakes I did, especially my younger siblings. The benefits of using social media include the ability to interact and communicate with friends and family, particularly those who live abroad. Therefore, social media is not harmful; rather, it is the users who make it. However, if you use social media responsibly, it is not harmful."

Togisia Patrick

"People must have access to social media and technology so they may use it for communication with friends and family and academic purposes. I would support such regulations that set a minimum age for youths to access social media to keep them from using it for unwarranted purposes. It's encouraging to see that the majority of our children are now using social media more quickly than their parents, even while some other pupils are using it for negative purposes, such as posting offensive videos and images."

Sivao Atileo, 35, Nu’u.

"I disagree with the topic because we already have a lot of issues these days, and children are quicker than adults because I know they need it more than we parents do. Perhaps we should allow them to use social media for their education because I know it greatly benefits our kids' needs and academic performance but we parents should be more aware of the fact that social media also has an impact on kids. In my opinion, this is a good piece of advice for parents. Perhaps social media will greatly assist our children in reaching out to their parents when they are experiencing difficulties. It is highly unacceptable for parents to let their children use social media before the age of sixteen, but it is also beneficial for our people. Therefore, I would advise parents to refrain from allowing their children to use social media in harmful ways but to allow them to use it when they are in need, particularly during difficult times."

Fa'afouina Liaina, 15, Vaiusu native

" Although I believe that the rule prohibiting children under the age of sixteen from accessing social media is not beneficial for children, particularly those between the ages of fifteen and sixteen. We must use it in a good way. Our parents always have the last say on everything, but if we consider the other side, some of our parents are not as knowledgeable about social media as we are. Nevertheless, allowing our kids to use social media will also help them comprehend topics they are unfamiliar with, particularly when it comes to the language used. Social media, in my opinion, is beneficial. In other nations, youngsters are permitted to use social media for academic purposes and are well-versed in its usage; but, in Samoa, this is not the case because our people are constantly complaining about everything."

Hakai Ropati, 49, Samusu

"Since life is faster these days, especially for the younger generations, I am making every effort to keep the students from using social media since I believe it is quite dangerous for them to do so. My oldest daughter is 13 years old. Since I'm older now and approaching the stage of life where I have children, I understand how difficult it is and how important it is to protect them. We didn't have social media when we were younger, but since kids are faster than their parents with technology, I would support the government passing legislation requiring kids to stop using social media."