Hollywood superstar Chris Pratt has publicly thrown his support behind Australia's pioneering social media restrictions for children during an interview promoting his latest cinematic venture.
Pratt's Stark Warning on Social Media Dangers
The Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World actor spoke with Sunrise's Steve Hargrave in London, where he discussed his role in the upcoming action thriller Mercy. The film, which opens in Australian cinemas this Thursday, is set in a near-future where a detective faces trial for his wife's murder in a courtroom operated entirely by artificial intelligence.
Pratt revealed he was immediately captivated by the script. "I picked it up, it was immediately intriguing and I could not put it down," he said. The movie's exploration of AI-controlled justice and omnipresent surveillance through cameras and social platforms resonated deeply with the actor, a father who is notably cautious about his own children's digital footprint.
A Personal Stance on Digital Privacy
The themes of the film hit close to home for Pratt, who frequently blurs or covers his children's faces in photos shared online. He emphasised that online privacy is "incredibly important" to him. "We're all new to this and the potential dangers of algorithm-driven entertainment in the minds of our children and what that means for them," Pratt explained, highlighting a concern shared by many parents.
This personal vigilance directly informed his strong approval of Australia's social media ban for users under the age of 16. The actor did not hold back in his praise for the landmark policy.
Comparing the Ban to a Public Health Milestone
"I totally support that. I think we'll look back on this era the same way we look back on pregnant mothers smoking in the '50s like 'I can't believe they did that'," Pratt stated, drawing a powerful historical parallel.
He suggested that future generations may view unchecked social media exposure for youth with similar horror. "There's a high likelihood we'll learn that we've been, unfortunately, doing some serious damage to the minds of our youth," he added. "So, kudos to you guys for taking the first step."
Pratt's new film, Mercy, which delves into the dark possibilities of technology controlling human lives, arrives in Australian cinemas as the national conversation around protecting children online reaches a fever pitch. His endorsement adds a significant celebrity voice to the debate, framing the Australian ban not just as a policy, but as a potential turning point for digital child welfare globally.
