YouTube will be officially added to the list of restricted social media platforms for Australians under the age of 16, as part of the federal government’s broader move to implement a social media age delay. With the social media ban set to take effect in December, parenting experts from Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are encouraging families to begin conversations and planning now.
Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, said the change may be challenging for young people used to daily screen time but presents a valuable opportunity for families to reset their digital habits.
“There’s no perfect formula for ditching tech time – even adults struggle with getting the balance right – what matters is finding the rules or the right ‘power-down’ strategy for your family,” she said.
Triple P’s National Parenting Pulse Survey revealed that 85% of parents have conflicts with their children about social media use, with nearly half (43%) experiencing these clashes at least once a week. In addition, 79% of parents reported concern about the mental health impacts of social media on their children.
Getting ready for the social media ban
With the December deadline looming, Markie-Dadds urged parents to be proactive in having conversations with their kids about what the new legislation means for them.
“We are parenting in a digital age, so parents and carers can view this current challenge as a teachable moment to support kids to develop healthy, lifelong digital habits,” she said.
“By creating a safe, judgment-free home where children can be confident in sharing concerns about social media without being made to feel uncomfortable, ignored, or disbelieved, this will strengthen parent-child relationships and pave the way for having other difficult conversations during the teen years.”
Triple P experts recommend setting routines around device use and gradually swapping screen time for other activities that bring families together. “The entire family will benefit from regular, open conversations about social media and online content,” Markie-Dadds said.
Parents and carers seeking help can access free, 24/7 online support at triplep-parenting.net.au, and are encouraged to visit esafety.gov.au for further information about the upcoming legislation.
Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.
