Families are in unprecedented territory when it comes to social media and Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) believes there is much to consider before imposing legislation that bans teenagers from the various platforms.

In an announcement that has caused much debate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this month said the federal government would introduce a bill by the end of the year that would ban teenagers, potentially aged between 14 and 16, from social media sites such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Twitter.

Through education sessions and programs delivered to students at local schools by the BCHS Health Promotion team, it is clear young people have developed a complex relationship with technology, and specifically social media.

“There is much good when it comes to social networks,” the team said.

“They provide a way to express individuality, a sense of community, connection and the ability to access mental health support whenever needed. But there is also, inevitably, challenges: Cyberbullying, addiction, anxiety and other mental health issues, and behavioural issues.”

BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said this stark contrast is why the details of a social media ban for teenagers, and the impact the legislation will have on communities, need to be well thought out.

“Conversations, communication and the creation of understanding is essential right now,” she said.

“Technology and social media is here to stay. While the protection of children online is vital, there are also many other elements to consider before disconnecting teens.

“Things like, how will a ban impact young people seeking mental health and primary care support? How will families be supported to introduce the ban if their child is already on social media; what support and/or education will be provided?”

While age verification technology is tested by the federal government and consultations with the states get underway, BCHS calls on both the state and federal governments to consider the following in regards to the proposed legislation:

• Ensuring young people’s voices are at the heart of any future discussions and potential changes.
• Consideration of online gaming platforms, such as Discord, Roblox, Fortnight and Minecraft, and how they are regulated – will they be included in the ban?
• Will there be any programs or services introduced to replace social media accounts being inaccessible for the banned age group?
• Will the legislation include parameters around advertising, and will a target approach be adopted to reduce exposure to social media sites?
• Self-declaration of age isn’t working. How exactly will age restrictions be implemented, regulated and monitored?
• Will there be consequences of breaching the ban, and for harmful content, for social media companies and individuals?

CEO of headspace Jason Trethowan said the youth mental health organisation welcomed the government putting youth safety in the national spotlight, and he too encouraged the federal government to include young people in the conversation around the proposed legislation.

“It is important that governments consult meaningfully with young people from across Australia about their experiences of social media,” he said, “and that young people’s views shape whatever legislation is ultimately put forward.

“It’s true that more needs to be done to keep young people safe online… [but] banning access to social media is a blunt instrument that may have unintended consequences.”

*Bendigo Community Health Services is the lead agency for headspace in Bendigo.