Leading child protection organisation Act for Kids is encouraging families to start having important conversations with their kids ahead of the looming social media age restrictions set to take effect from December 10.
In just three weeks, children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Kick, and others.
The responsibility will fall on social media companies to enforce the age restrictions and prevent underage users from accessing their platforms.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said being disconnected from friends on social media could cause some children to experience anxiety and distress, so parents and carers should be prepared for this.
“Start having conversations with your children about the social media age restrictions as soon as possible and listen to any concerns they have,” Dr Lines said.
“It’s important to keep the lines of communication open in the lead up to and even long after these changes take effect.
“Reassure your kids that they can always come to you if they are worried about anything. One way of starting this conversation could be by asking them how they would like to stay connected to friends and family outside of social media.”
An Act for Kids survey of more than 300 Australian children aged 10 to 16 found 41% would rather connect with family in real life compared to only 15% who preferred to spend time online.
Dr Lines noted this finding was important, given the national conversations currently happening about children spending too much time on devices, and the negative impacts social media can cause, including cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.
“As a society, we need to listen to what children are saying and explore different ways to connect with them or connect them with their peers, whether that’s in real life or by trying new things such as playing games together online. Research shows games are a great way for kids to feel connected," she said.
“The age restrictions are also a great opportunity to allow time to prepare children and young people for social media by teaching them about the risks associated with sharing your images and own content online. Parents can use the time before kids turn 16 to prepare and empower them to use it appropriately.”
Here are Act for Kids’ tips for how families can start preparing for the under-16s social media age restrictions:
- Start having conversations with your children about the restrictions as soon as possible and listen to any concerns they have.
- Ask them how they would like to stay connected to friends and family.
- Explore alternative ways kids can remain connected to friends without social media, such as sport, hobbies, online games, organising in-person catch ups, volunteering or other community activities.
- Build family rituals - this can be as simple as gathering at the table for dinner each night or having a regular board game night. Family rituals can be a source of connection, stability, and positivity.
- Model good digital behaviour and lead by example – be present as much as possible, put your phone away at the dinner table and have a digital detox when necessary.
- Being disconnected from friends on social media may cause some kids to experience anxiety and distress, so be prepared for this.
If you or a child needs support, help is always available:
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
More resources to support families and communities are available:
- Get Ready Guide: A step-by-step guide for parents and young people on how to prepare for the changes.www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/get-ready-guide
- Conversation Starters: Practical guidance to help have important discussions about online safety and the new changes: www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/conversation-starters
- Webinar Series: For parents, educators and youth-serving organisations, the webinar series on compliance and community support begins today. www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/webinars
-ENDS-
Contact details:
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Melanie Whiting
0427 794 666
[email protected]