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Young people have told the Queensland Family and Child Commission that age restrictions for social media meant “young people were being punished, whilst those that created online risks are being left alone”.

In a submission to a federal parliamentary inquiry, Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford said the Queensland Young Person’s Council had also raised concern about the lack of support for those more reliant on social media, such as people in isolated areas, vulnerable positions, or with chronic health issues.

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“Young people spoke about this policy victim-blaming young people, rather than requiring adults and platforms that create risks taking responsibility,” Twyford wrote.

Twyford urged the inquiry to consider the “unintended consequences of prohibition” and the risk of sexual predators taking advantage of under-16s who find a way to stay online.

“Young people told me they are concerned that where a child or young person has circumvented the age restrictions and found themselves in an unsafe situation, they are less likely to seek support and may instead be in a situation where the fear of getting into trouble will outweigh the fear of the situation itself,” he wrote.

While Queensland Premier David Crisafulli supports the age restrictions, Twyford said young people were also aware of the LNP’s ‘adult time for adult crime’ policy.

“Taken together, these two approaches were seen as both being contradictory and devaluing of young people, and their position as legitimate members of our community,” he wrote.