Under-16s Banned From LinkedIn Leaving Nation’s Paperboys And Chimney Sweeps With No Way To Build Professional Networks

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A federal ban on social media for Australians under the age of 16 has today caused concern across Betoota Heights, where our town's paperboys and chimney sweeps say they will soon lose access to the only networking platform available to their tier of the workforce.

The ban, due to come into effect this month, will apply to all major platforms including LinkedIn. The decision has been criticised by junior workers who rely on the site to maintain professional connections, secure referrals and announce small but meaningful promotions.

Among those affected is 15-year-old paperboy and part time chimney sweep, Toby Marsh, who delivers The Advocate on his pushbike at dawn before travelling to the Old City to sell copies from a makeshift news stand constructed from two milk crates.

"I was planning on updating my headline to reflect my dual roles in distribution and front-of-house media sales," said Marsh.

"That is important when you want to stand out. People respect a diversified skill set."

Other members of the child labour force expressed similar disappointment.

"I am an apprentice chimney sweep and I wanted to connect with other emerging leaders in the soot removal sector," said 14 year old worker Liam Burke.

"I also do shelf stacking at Overell's IGA on Thursdays so it is useful to show range," said Burke.

The government says the ban is designed to reduce exposure to harmful content, which is all over the popular professional platform.

Junior workers argue the ruling ignores the professional realities of underage employment.

"If I cannot network with the dog walkers, the junior fry cooks or the ice cream shop attendants then how am I meant to get ahead," said Marsh.

"It is a setback for the whole industry." said Marsh.

The Advocate reached out to the Minister for Employment Amanda Rishworth for comment but have yet to receive a reply.

More to come.