Changes to Social Media

Kirra Pendergast founded ‘Safe on Social’ with the purpose ‘to protect people in a digital world that wasn’t designed with their safety in mind’. The resources on her website can assist with an array of issues or concerns that you may be managing in this environment - https://www.safeonsocial.com/. I recently read one of her articles titled "Preparing Teens for Under-16 Social Media Ban" about the upcoming changes to social media that will impact a significant group of our students and, by default, parents and carers. The article guides parents and carers to help young people navigate the upcoming legislation that will restrict social media access for users under 16. This law, effective by the end of 2025, aims to mitigate online harms affecting young people. The key points from the article have been summarised below, or you can read the article for yourself at: 

Key takeaways to consider:

• Age Verification Implementation: Major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube will require age-verification measures to restrict access for users under 16.
• Preparation is Crucial: Without proper preparation, teens risk losing access to connections, content, or communities they value, potentially leading to feelings of isolation.
• Actionable Steps for Parents and Carers:
• Map Their Online World: Engage teens in identifying the platforms, chats, groups, or creators they interact with regularly.
• Create Safe, Private Chat Alternatives: Establish group chats on age-appropriate platforms with parental visibility and set ground rules for respectful use.
• Back Up Digital Memories: Encourage teens to download or screenshot meaningful content to preserve digital memories.
• Follow Creators Safely Off-Platform: Help teens find alternative ways to engage with supportive influencers or content creators.
• Set Up a Family Re-Entry Plan: Discuss readiness for re-entry at 16, focusing on emotional maturity, digital literacy, and privacy skills.
• Create a Safe Space to Speak Up: Foster an open-door culture at home where teens feel comfortable discussing their online experiences.
• Focus on Offline Self-Worth: Encourage offline activities that build confidence, creativity, and purpose.
• Support for Neurodivergent Teens: Recognise that neurodivergent teens may have unique needs and attachments to online spaces, and provide tailored support accordingly.

As educators, we firmly believe that being prepared and having the right knowledge can and does assist us all in this space. I hope the article supports you in navigating this space as we move towards this change. 

Ms Lisa Costabile
Assistant Principal