- 31 Oct, 2025
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- 8 Mins Read
Beyond the social media ban – guide for parents
In December 2025 Australia will introduce a new law banning children under 16 from mainstream social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. As parents many of us welcome this move; we are worried about cyberbullying, inappropriate content and the impact on our children’s mental health. These concerns are real and valid. But a ban on its own will not teach our kids how to stay safe online. Without the right skills and guidance we risk sending them into the digital world unprepared.
“Legislation can close a door, but it cannot teach a child how to cross a busy road safely,” says Sophie Sparks, Founder of You Can Sit With Me. “If we only ban access, we are missing a huge opportunity to teach children how to navigate online spaces with confidence and care.” Sophie adds that practical education must accompany any restriction. She argues that lessons in critical thinking, privacy and emotional coping give children tools they can use every day, not just while on a specific platform. Schools, families and community groups all have roles to play in delivering these lessons so that young people are prepared when they do encounter online risks.
Beyond the ban
Why the ban is not enough on its own, simply blocking access treats online safety as a matter of keeping kids away from danger rather than helping them learn how to handle it. Research and experts who work with young people tell us three important things:
Kids will likely still find ways online. Today’s teenagers have grown up with technology and often figure out how to access platforms anyway, or they move to less regulated alternatives1. The ban might reduce their presence on major platforms but it will not keep them offline entirely.
Social media is not all bad. Platforms can expose children to harmful content and bullying. But they also help kids stay connected with friends, express themselves and even find mental health support2. Banning access does not teach them how to get the benefits while avoiding the risks.
You cannot legislate good judgement. Skills such as spotting fake news, protecting privacy, dealing with online harassment and knowing when to ask for help all need to be taught and practised. A law that takes away access without teaching these skills leaves young people vulnerable the moment they do go online3.
“We need to pair protection with preparation,” Sophie Sparks urges. “Kids deserve clear guidance and practical skills; they should be empowered, not just excluded.” She emphasises that empowerment looks like step-by-step guidance and trusted adults who are approachable. When children see learning as a normal part of growing up rather than a punishment, they are more likely to engage and to develop habits that protect them throughout adolescence and beyond.
What does “equipping our kids” actually look like? Digital capability is about giving young people practical skills and support to manage online risks safely:
Thinking critically about what they see: recognising misleading posts, clickbait and design tricks that make apps addictive.
Understanding privacy and their digital footprint: knowing how to use privacy settings, that posts can be permanent, and how their personal information might be used.
Building emotional strength: learning strategies to cope with negative interactions, comparison culture, body image pressures and upsetting content.
Asking for help: knowing when and how to talk to a trusted adult and how to report bullying or abuse on platforms and to authorities.
Preparing for their first steps online: when they do join a platform, knowing how to choose followers wisely, set up privacy settings and establish their own boundaries.
“Digital literacy is not optional; it is a survival skill in modern life,” Sophie Sparks says. “Children who learn to spot harm and to ask for help are far less likely to be isolated by abuse or shame.” She points out that digital literacy programmes must be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, reaching children where they are. By embedding these skills in everyday education and parenting, we make them routine rather than exceptional, so young people are better equipped to protect themselves.
Why these skills matter, even with a ban in place
Preventing risky moves to unregulated spaces. If teens migrate to lesser-known apps or private chat groups to get around the rules they may find fewer safety features and less moderation. Digital literacy helps them recognise risks and make safer choices4.
Keeping communication open. Bans that rely on heavy surveillance or punishment can push young people to hide their online activity and not tell us when something goes wrong. Teaching coping skills and keeping conversations open encourages them to come to us when they need help5.
Preserving the good parts. Teaching responsible use means kids can still benefit from online connections and self-expression while staying safer.
“Punishment drives secrecy,” Sophie Sparks warns. “If a child fears being shut down or shamed, they are unlikely to tell an adult about bullying or distressing content. We must create an environment where kids feel safe to speak up.” She recommends that families focus on building trust by responding supportively when a child does disclose harm. Rapid, empathetic responses increase the chance a young person will seek help again, and reduce the emotional damage caused by online abuse.
Start conversations, not lectures
Talk openly with your child about why the ban exists and what they are worried about. Listen to their perspective and acknowledge that they might have mixed feelings6.
Frame your guidance around keeping them safe together rather than punishment7.
Teach digital skills early and proactively
Schools should include lessons on misinformation, privacy, respectful online behaviour and how platforms actually work8.
Use real-life examples and involve teenagers in planning what they learn; this keeps things relevant9.
Build emotional resilience
Teach practical coping strategies for negative interactions: take a break, save evidence, talk to a trusted adult. Work on general emotional regulation skills too.
Try role-playing common scenarios together, like how to respond to a mean message or decide whether to share a photo10.
Create a family media plan together
Instead of imposing rules from the top down, negotiate boundaries with your teen about devices, screen time and privacy settings. This approach builds responsibility and reduces secrecy11.
Model good habits yourself
Show your kids what mindful device use looks like. Practice good privacy habits yourself. Joint media activities such as watching content together or discussing what you see online create natural teaching moments12.
Prepare for where they might go instead
Learn about messaging apps, online games and smaller platforms where teens might spend time. Talk about the safety features and risks of each space13.
Encourage offline friendships, hobbies and activities to balance their online life14.
Make it safe to ask for help
Reassure your child that telling you about cyberbullying or online problems will not automatically get them in trouble. Focus on solving the problem and keeping them safe15.
Learn how reporting works on different platforms and know how to access professional support if you need it16.
Support broader changes
Advocate for quality programmes in schools, community workshops and better platform design that puts youth safety first17.
“The responsibility should not rest on families alone,” Sophie Sparks adds. “We need systemic change: better education in schools, transparent platform policies and public investment in youth wellbeing.” She urges policymakers and tech companies to work with young people and educators when designing interventions. Collective action will have a far greater impact than isolated efforts, she says, and it will ensure protections are practical and evidence based.
The bottom line: protection works best with preparation The Australian social media ban shows we want to protect our children and that instinct is right. But to make that protection meaningful we need to combine it with education and skill-building. Teaching digital literacy, building resilience and keeping lines of communication open will prepare young people to navigate not just today’s online spaces but whatever new platforms and services emerge tomorrow. Pair sensible rules with practical education and open family communication and you give your kids the best chance to stay safe online while still enjoying the connections and opportunities the digital world can offer.
YOU CAN SIT WITH ME is an inclusive, evidence-based, peer-led program reducing school refusal, social isolation, bullying, exclusion and non inclusive behaviour.
YOU CAN SIT WITH ME provides free programs for schools, sporting clubs and community groups.
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You Can Sit With Me has been recognised as a “Tier 1 Preventative Program” in the Australian Government’s Anti Bullying Rapid Review.
References
[5, 7, 15 ] Kowalski, R. M., Limber, S. P., & Agatston, P. W. (2008). Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age (1. Aufl.). Wiley-Blackwell. Book – chapters downloaded separately.