Hobsons Bay Youth Parliament, including the state’s newly appointed youth premier, wants mandatory labels on photoshopped images.
The team comprises youth premier Omar Al Debal, Kergen Angel, James Paleologoudias, Alexandra Paleologoudias, Hue Man Dang and Sam Leeder.
Mr Al Debal, 24, said its new Image Regulation bill would prevent some composite images being published altogether.
“Our bill is aiming to address and fix the problem that we have with media publishing lots of heavily photoshopped imagery,” he said.
“We’re hoping to regulate what publications and media companies can put out to younger audiences because there’s a lot of body dysmorphia with younger females; there’s a lot of anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders.
“It’s even really having an affect on males. A lot of males are going to the gym to achieve a certain body ideal because of the photoshopped images that are shoved down their throat.”
More than 25 Bills originating from the Youth Parliament have become legislation, including mandatory bike helmets, roadside drug testing and the over-the-counter morning after pill.
Star Weekly asked the Hobsons Bay Youth Parliament team for their views on the following political issues:
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
There are plenty of 16 to 17-year-olds who would benefit greatly from being able to vote. It will mean that youth issues are never left out of the conversation. We believe that this voting should not be mandatory but rather on a voluntary basis.
Are politicians in touch or out of touch?
Politicians come across as out of touch … I don’t think that they don’t hear young people, but sometimes it’s easier to ignore what they do hear.
What are the most important political issues?
For young people, issues such as mental health, education, housing, employment and the environment are very high on our agenda.
What’s a leader’s most important quality?
Their capacity to remain engaged and relatable with the community they represent. It’s easy to subconsciously separate a leader or politician from [people]. This separation can incite a level of cynicism and disregard from the community.
