DIGITAL PRE-COMMITMENT?

Andrew Wilkie, Independent MP for Denison in Tasmania is using his power under a hung parliament to pass a law to help problem gamblers set a limit on what they are prepared to lose. His website says:

"Problem gamblers in Australia lose about $5 billion each year on poker machines. More than half a million dollars is lost on the pokies each week just in Hobart and Glenorchy. To help overcome this, Andrew has negotiated the implementation nationally of a mandatory pre-commitment system which will require poker machine players to set limits on the amount of money they’re prepared to lose. The system will be introduced by 2014."

We want to know if a similar system for under 18 internet users makes sense. It is well-known that many young people overuse or are addicted to the internet, and that this can cause significant social problems affecting families, school performance and off-line relationships. Currently, so long as a young person can afford to access the internet, they can use it for as long as they like. But is this sensible? Would it be better to have an annual pre-set limit on under 18s' internet access?

The scheme would work like this:

1) Every browser would require a compulsory code assigned to an individual to open it
2) The code would be received on application to a government website
3) Both adults and children would have to enter the code each time they open a browser
4) Anyone - adult or child - could choose to pre-commit to an annual number of access hours - but adults can set 'unlimited' if they want
5) Anyone under-18 would have to negotiate the amount with their parents or guardians 6) If an amount cannot be agreed then the child would have no access

Is this a good solution to a growing social problem? Will it help prevent addiction and anti-social behaviours? Or is a breach of human rights? Is it discriminatory against under-18s? Does it take the 'nanny state' too far? The scheme would not be cheap - would it be worth the investment?

How do you feel about this idea? Do you agree with the proposal? What are your reasons? How does this idea fit with other aspects of life for under-18s? Do you have better ideas?

Read More
www.andrewwilkie.org/content/index.php/aw/issues_policy_extended/poker_machines