Deputy Principal - Students

“It’s not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts” eSafety Commission

Passing the one-hundred-day mark of the Social Media Minimum Age Law

It is over three months since the Federal Government introduced social media delay for under 16-year-olds was introduced. It is a public health initiative that sits alongside setting a minimum age of 18 years for the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and vapes and mandatory Child Safe Standards (2016). Each public health measure was designed to protect young people at a critical stage of their development and facilitate better physical and mental health outcomes for our children. Australia is at the forefront of significant social change and many international governments are watching with great interest.

The reasons for, and benefits of, the restrictions remain valid and young people under the age of 16 years who access the restricted social media sites are evidence that cultural change takes time. There is a natural resistance to change, but some changes are worth the effort and this is one of them. The law aims to stop technology companies from using persuasive design and algorithms that manipulate and overwhelm young people. The law seeks to make social media companies accountable and protect young people from pressures and risks that are not ready to deal with.

Online child safety matters; young people’s mental health matters. Children under 16 years of age need the adults in their lives to support and guide them as they continue to navigate the changed access to social media sites. If you would like more information about the social media restrictions and tips on how to adapt to the changes, please access these links:

eSafety Commission:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Beyond Blue:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/social-media/australia-social-media-restrictions