This week there has been significant media coverage regarding the Federal Government’s social media ban which will come into effect on December 10. This will make it illegal for children under the age of 16 to have accounts on most social media platforms.

The Government recently announced that it was adding further services to the prohibited list. The list now includes TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, X, Kick, Reddit and Threads. Currently there are some exemptions which include WhatsApp, Messenger, Google Classroom, YouTube Kids and a few other services.

The laws are intended to target the platform providers and do not create criminal consequences for children who still access social media that is prohibited.

Responses to the new laws have been varied. Recently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained the rationale and details of the proposal to interested world leaders at a UN event. The proposal was viewed favourably by some in attendance. An article in the ABC quoted European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen who said “It is obvious this is plain common sense … We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you … it is up to us to step up for the next generation.”

Additionally, in October, Denmark announced that it would create a social media ban for children under the age of 15.

Opponents of the ban argue that it is draconian and that it will deny students access to socialising opportunities and commercial and entrepreneurial endeavours. This can be particularly acute for more marginalised young people who rely upon social media interactions to retain a sense of connection and inclusion.

There has been prominent coverage of ‘the Empire Family’ an Australian influencer family who have millions of online fans who have declared that they are moving to England as a way to thwart the ban and the economic impact it would have on them if their 14 year old daughter, Charlotte’s, accounts were deleted.

The Government is embarking on this world-first initiative as the overwhelming consensus in research into the impacts of social media is that it is highly damaging for young people. Negative impacts include increased levels of inattentiveness, anxiety, depression as well as cyber-bullying, body image shaming and over-exposure to sexualised or politically inappropriate content.

This week our Wellbeing teachers have been explaining and exploring the ban with students in their classes. This helps students to understand the motivation behind the ban, appreciate the impact and to prepare for any distress that this may cause them.

It is advisable that parents are also well informed of the laws and processes as young people may try to co-opt their parents to help them circumnavigate the rules.

The King David School is well aware of the challenges parents face managing their children’s social media use. It is why we have launched our successful Ctrl Alt Del program which is aimed at arming parents with knowledge, skills and tools to support them to protect the wellbeing of their children.