eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is calling on parents, carers and young people in regional and rural communities visit eSafety.gov.au and access resources designed to help them handle social media age restrictions, which are now in effect.
Developed collaboratively with Australia’s leading mental health and support organisations, the resources explain what is changing, why it matters and how to support young people through the transition. “We understand that these changes may have a greater impact on some young people, particularly those living in rural and regional areas,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
“That is why I strongly encourage parents, carers and young people to visit esafety.gov.au, download our resources, which features practical guidance for parents and carers and information for young people such as where to go for help and support.
“Remember, this is not a ban. It is a delay — increasing the minimum account age from 13 to 16, so that young people can have a reprieve from the powerful and persuasive design features built to keep them hooked and often enabling harmful content and conduct,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“Young people from regional and rural communities can still connect and communicate with friends through group messaging services, gaming and video conferencing apps.”
eSafety partnered with mental health and support organisations including headspace, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Raising Children and ReachOut Australia to develop the range of free resources available at esafety.gov.au.