The social media ban: Implications for schools & educational policy.

As Australia prepares to implement a landmark bill banning social media access for children under the age of 16, the educational landscape is poised for significant change. This legislation, which has bipartisan support, aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young Australians. Schools and educational institutions must now consider the implications of this ban on their policies, planning, and overall approach to student engagement and support.

Understanding the Legislation

The proposed legislation will prohibit individuals under 16 from using popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The bill includes stringent penalties for non-compliance, with fines potentially reaching up to AUD 50 million for social media companies that fail to enforce age restrictions effectively. The Australian government has emphasised that this measure is essential to safeguard children from harmful online content and mitigate risks associated with excessive social media use, particularly concerning mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and body image concerns.

The bill explanation states: The onus is on platforms to introduce systems and processes that can be demonstrated to ensure that people under the minimum age cannot create and hold a social media account. It is not the intention that the Bill would punish a platform for individual instances where young
people circumvent any reasonably appropriate measures put in place by the platform – however, a systemic failure to take action to limit such circumventions could give rise to a breach. As the onus is on platforms, there are no penalties for age-restricted users who may gain access to an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers.

In the first instance, the Government proposes to make legislative rules to exclude the following services from the definition of age-restricted social media platforms:

• • Messaging apps

• • Online gaming services

• • Services with the primary purpose of supporting the health and education of end-users

Reasons Behind the Ban

The push for a social media ban stems from increasing evidence linking social media usage to adverse mental health outcomes among youth. Reports indicate that nearly two-thirds of Australians aged 14 to 17 have encountered harmful online content related to self-harm, drug use, and other distressing topics[1]. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has articulated a clear stance: “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it.” This sentiment resonates with many parents who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of managing their children’s online interactions.

Age Assurance Trial

The Government provided funding in the in the 2024-25 Budget to conduct a broad, three phase trial of age assurance, including an assessment of technologies, to examine options to protect children from harmful online content, including on social media, and age-restricted
content such as pornography.  The objective of the trial is to determine the effectiveness of available age assurance
technologies as an option to:

• • Prevent access to online pornography by people under the age of 18; and

Age limit access to social media platforms for an age range of between 13 and 16 years old.

The 3 key elements to the trial are:

• • The technology trial: an independent testing and assessment of currently available age assurance technologies;

• • Research: including consumer research into Australian’s attitudes towards the use of age assurance technologies for access to the 2 use cases; and

• • Consultation: targeted stakeholder consultation with young Australians, parent groups, academics, the digital industry (including platforms), community and civil society groups, and First Nations representative groups. The purpose of the consultation is to understand and consider community, expert and industry views on age assurance technologies, particularly on social media and in relation to a minimum age for social
    media. Consultation also covered societal attitudes to applying a minimum age for social media.

Impacts on Schools

1. Changes in Communication Strategies

With the ban in place, some schools will need to reinvent how they might communicate with students. Social media platforms have become vital tools for schools to disseminate information quickly and engage with students outside traditional classroom settings. Most schools have already adopted these methods, so they will be well prepared for these upcoming changes, the methods that may need further consideration might be channels such as Whatsapp groups and groups on Facebook messenger etc.

2. Curriculum Adjustments

The ban presents an opportunity for schools to integrate discussions about digital literacy and responsible online behavior into their curriculum. Educators have been focussing on the following, however explaining the new legislation will also be important:

• • Digital Usage Education: Teaching students about safe online practices, cybersecurity, privacy rights, and the implications of their digital footprints.

• • Mental Health Awareness: Incorporating mental health education into the curriculum can help students understand the potential impacts of social media on their well-being.

3. Support Structures for Students

As students lose access to social media platforms, schools must ensure they have adequate support systems in place:

• • Counselling Services: Increased demand for mental health support may arise as students navigate the transition away from social media. Schools should bolster their counselling services to address these needs.

• • Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer support networks can help students adjust to changes in their social interactions.

Planning is Key

The successful implementation of this legislation requires careful planning by educational institutions. Schools must proactively develop strategies that address both the immediate impacts of the ban and long-term adjustments in their policies.

1. Policy Development

Schools should revise their existing policies related to technology use and student engagement. 

This includes:

– Acceptable Use Policies: Updating guidelines that outline appropriate technology use within school settings.

– Emergency Protocols: Establishing protocols for addressing incidents related to mental health or online bullying that may arise due to reduced access to social media.

2. Engaging Stakeholders

Collaboration among stakeholders—teachers, parents, students, and community members—is crucial for effective planning:

– Workshops and Forums: Hosting workshops can facilitate discussions about the implications of the ban and gather feedback from various parents and the school community.

– Advisory Committees: Forming committees that include parents and community members can help schools stay informed about public sentiment regarding social media use among youth.

3. Monitoring Outcomes

As schools implement new policies and practices in response to the ban, it is essential to monitor outcomes closely:

– Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for feedback from students and parents can provide valuable insights into how well new strategies are working.

– Data Collection: Collecting data on student mental health outcomes can help schools assess the effectiveness of their interventions.

The impending ban on social media usage for children under 16 in Australia represents a significant shift in how young people will interact online. For schools, this change necessitates a thoughtful response that prioritises student well-being while adapting communication strategies and educational practices. By planning effectively and engaging with stakeholders throughout this process, educational institutions can navigate these changes successfully while fostering a supportive environment for all students. 

As this legislation unfolds, it will be critical for schools not only to comply but also to lead by example in promoting responsible digital citizenship among younger students in Australian.

Citations:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/australia-launches-landmark-bill-ban-social-media-children-16-rcna181130
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/27/australia-moves-step-closer-to-world-first-social-media-ban-for-under-sixteens
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/australia-nears-social-media-ban-children-16-rcna181965
https://theconversation.com/australian-kids-under-16-will-soon-be-banned-from-social-media-but-parents-still-dont-know-which-apps-are-out-243138
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-07/labor-backs-social-media-age-minimum-16-years/104571186
https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/australia-proposes-ban-social-media-those-under-16-2024-11-06/
https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/ems/r7284_ems_b9c134ac-a19a-47b2-9879-b03dda6e3c1a/upload_pdf/JC014726.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22legislation/ems/r7284_ems_b9c134ac-a19a-47b2-9879-b03dda6e3c1a%22