A Big Dialogue, Gen Z Edition: Should Under-16s Be Banned From Social Media?

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LATE NOTE: BONUS VALUE - Light food in the form of grazing boxes will be provided for all guests, INCLUDED in ticket prices. More info below.

The Brisbane Dialogues, part of the Australian Dialogues network, continues its mission to facilitate productive, across-the-aisle discussions in pursuit of common ground and possible solutions - or at least, better understanding of conflicting views.

Let’s demonstrate once again that contentious national issues can be discussed frankly, fearlessly and civilly, in a non-partisan way, in public, by people with different views, in good faith, in pursuit of truth, progress and better policy!

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The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, published in March, documented and tapped into widespread concerns that smartphones and social media in particular are seriously damaging a whole generation and brewing up big social problems. It has turned into something of an international movement, exemplified by various legislative moves in the US and the recent announcements both major parties in support of a ban on social media until age 16 in Australia.

So what *should* be done about it, and by whom? And what does the generation in question have to say about that? Specifically, is such a ban part of the answer, or not?

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The Dialogues are for curious, concerned citizens who are willing to listen respectfully to views they don't agree with in order to understand complexities better and are open to refining or even changing their own position. It is not for those who have made their minds up, who only want to promote a fixed position, or just cheer on speakers they do agree with. It's much more interesting than rattling around in your usual echo chamber!

                The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress. Joseph Joubert

The dialogue will be conducted under The Brisbane Rule, which includes the audience as well as the speakers on stage!  All participants agree to listen carefully, speak civilly and concentrate on the content of discussions, not on characters - before, during and afterwards, online and offline.

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As always, we will have a panel of accomplished speakers (and listeners) with diverse views and expertise, moderated in an in-depth, long-form, enlightening discussion in a congenial, conducive setting. 

SPEAKERS

Moderator:
Peter Greste - Professor of Journalism, Macquarie University and journalist, speaker and media freedom advocate

Panellists:
Daniel Cash - Gen Z writer and speaker and student, Australian National University

Freya Leach - Director, Youth Policy, Menzies Research Centre and student, University of Sydney

Lachlan Lade - Advocate for youth in politics, entrepreneur and Libertarian Party candidate for Queensland Senate.

Selena Bartlett - Professor of Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity, Queensland University of Technology, author, speaker, mother and child and brain health protector and advocate

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AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

• Guests will be able to submit questions for the speakers by email before the event and by SMS during the dialogue (latter to be confirmed)
• The Tivoli in cabaret table/relaxed theatre mode with side bars, is congenial for social discussion before and afterwards 
• Come early, on your own or with friends, family and colleagues; stay late and carry on the discussion
• A small number of people in the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor
• Speakers will be invited to join Premium ticket holders in a private bar after the stage discussion
• Review the discussion from the high quality video recording included in the ticket (no live stream)
• Really want to get involved? Volunteers always needed!

Escape the small screen for a proper, real, live, physical, in-person, civil multi-speaker event on the big stage. Buy a ticket, bring a friend or get a table together and join in the discussion, before, during and after!

TICKET PRICING

Tickets are priced from $10-150 (or even $0 - see below) to make the event widely accessible, made possible by:

• the generous provision of the use of The Tivoli Theatre by its owners
• financial sponsor, Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership
• the donation of time and expertise of all the speakers and volunteers
• premium ticket sales and donations
  

Hard costs of approximately $60 per person overall need to be covered and we rely on a small surplus and donations to cover our modest overheads between events, so please consider buying a Convenor's table, a Premium ticket or making a donation to keep events accessible and the Dialogues independent, expanding and sustainable.

Donations at this event will be used to expand the Big Dialogue format nationally, such as the event in Melbourne on 18 September and one in Canberra on 13 November.

A small number of complimentary tickets are available for those who post a short (20-60 seconds) selfie video to social media on why they are interested in this topic, event or The Brisbane Dialogues generally, and email the link/s to us. Some complimentary tickets are also available for volunteers on the day. Contact info@brisbanedialogues.org. 

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wed 2 Oct 2024
Venue: The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
Doors open: 6:00pm til late
Dialogue: 7:00pm til approx 8.45pm

The dialogue will start at 7pm sharp, so please arrive no later than 6.45pm and preferably nearer 6pm, to have a bite and a drink and mix with other guests.

After the dialogue on stage, the speakers will be invited to join Premium ticket holders in a private bar for relaxed follow-on discussion.

All guests will be able to socialise at other bars or tables and carry on the discussion for a time after the dialogue, at the discretion of venue management.

LIGHT FOOD IN THE FORM OF GRAZING BOXES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ALL GUESTS, TO PICK UP ON THE WAY IN, INCLUDED IN ALL TICKET PRICES. The bars will be open from 6:00pm until late.

This is a family-friendly event and teenage attendance is encouraged.

Photo ID may be required - tickets are not transferrable unless arranged prior.

Transport, parking and other venue-related information here.

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With special thanks to our generous venue sponsors, The Tivoli and Princess Theatres. Please consider booking your next event at one of these Brisbane treasures. We are also very grateful for the repeat support from the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership. Other sponsors are welcome - see options in the Ticketing section, or email us.