‘Ice pipe’: Lambie unleashes on Aussie reality

Jaqcui Lambie has likened kids’ addictions to social media and their phones to an “ice pipe” as she blasted the impact it is having on young generations in light of terrifying bullying in Australian schools.

In a typically passionate appearance on Today this morning, the Tasmanian politician linked perceptions of an increase in youth crime to worrying online trends.

TheHerald Sun reported on Monday how children were being threatened with tasers, having their heads pushed down toilets and their naked photos were being leaked as part of a trend called “lacking’.

“You can’t tell me there is not a connection with the behaviour of our children at the moment, and what is going on in social media,” Ms Lambie said.

“There’s no way, don’t tell me because I won’t believe you – it’s rubbish.”

Ms Lambie also backed the South Australian government’s proposal to ban social media for children under the age of 14.

It would become the first state in the country to impose a ban, which have been introduced in the US states of Florida and Texas and the nation of Spain.

“Like most parents, I am concerned about the impact social media is having on children in our community,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

“We are seeing mounting evidence from experts of the adverse impact of social media on children, their mental health and development.”

Speaking on Monday, Ms Lambie wanted Australia to get “on the front foot … because by not doing anything, we can see what’s going on around the country”.

“And we’re not … in a good place. It is our kids,” she said.

She went on to compare the impacts of too much phone use in young children the effects of the drug “ice” – an issue she has intimate knowledge of.

Ms Lambie has previously revealed her son’s battle with drug addiction,

“The damage that this gaming is doing to the brains of those kids is no different than having an ice pipe at 15 or 14 in your mouth,” she said.

“It is doing the same damage, the same frontal lobe damage.

“So there’s a reality check for you parents out there today.

“And I’ll tell you what, when you’ve been in that situation on the other side with the drug addiction and not tech … good luck with you because it is really, really difficult.

“I can assure you, from a mother who has been through that.”

A report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron recently found there was an undeniable need to shield children from the profit-driven tactics employed by tech companies.

It criticised the “strategy of capturing children’s attention, using all forms of cognitive bias to shut children away on their screens, control them, re-engage them and monetise them”.

“We want [the industry] to know we’ve seen what they’re doing and we won’t let them get away with it,” the report added.

Neurologist Servane Mouton said “techno-ference” was hindering development, claiming parents regularly checking their phones while feeding their children are emotionally stunting them.

“Before the age of six, no child needs a screen in order to develop,” Mr Mouton said. “In fact, screens can stop them developing properly at this age.”