Australia’s landmark teen social media ban is now underway, with Meta already removing thousands of underage users from Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
Digital safety expert Yasmin London and psychologist Jocelyn Brewer discuss the anxiety this sudden shift is creating for families and young people, many of whom are already trying to bypass the restrictions. Both emphasise that for teens, social media is about more than entertainment, it’s community, connection, autonomy and a sense of competence.
Parents are encouraged to talk openly with their children about what they value online and to actively help replace lost connections through messaging groups, offline catch-ups and screen-free activities, rather than simply removing access and leaving a void.
Yasmin shares insights from new international research by Qoria, revealing that Australian schools report the highest rates of online bullying, alongside growing concerns about gaming addiction and AI chatbots – risks not addressed by the ban.
The discussion highlights the need for a broader, long-term approach to keeping young people safe across the entire digital ecosystem.