Social media ban: How parents can help kids stay connected safely

AS Australia’s social media ban for under-16s edges closer, children are already worried about losing touch with their friends. But while the onus is on social media platforms to act, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) say the real battle will be at home – where parents must enforce the rules, manage their children’s reactions, and help them adjust. Child safety and wellbeing expert, UniSA’s Associate Professor Lesley-Anne Ey, says the key to a smoother transition is education, reassurance, and open, age-appropriate conversations. The first step, she says, is understanding why social platforms matter to kids. “Many children and teens use apps like Snapchat and TikTok to connect with their friends,” Assoc Prof Ey says. “They’ve grown up with this technology – it’s part of who they are – and they’re used to communicating through videos, emojis, photos and filters. “When the ban kicks in, kids may feel like they’re facing a social penalty where they won’t be able to connect with their friends in the same way. “The fear of losing touch with friends is real, so parents will need to invite questions and show understanding and empathy about what their kids will see as a loss.
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