Social Media Ban

With the delay in access to social media coming into effect on the 10th of December, we would like to share some useful resources with you. These resources have been specifically tailored to support young people and their families in navigating the changes to social media access: 

• Supporting students through the social media delay 
• The Social Media Ban: staying informed  
• 7 Tips for Navigating the Social Media Ban - A guide for young people 
• 7 Tips for Supporting Young People Through the Social Media Restrictions  - A guide for those who are supporting young people 
• Staying safe and connected when social media rules change  

• There are also a range of other resources available here. They include links to information about peer chats that will remain open, and online and phone support that young people might like to access.  

   

As we know, school holidays can be a time when children and young people are disconnected from the safety structures provided by school, including daily interactions with teachers and peers that support their wellbeing. With the social media delay coming into effect just before the school holidays, this may result in a potential reduction in online connection, increasing a sense of isolation for some, over the summer break. 

This might be a good time to also promote general help-seeking services that remain open to children, young people and families over the Christmas break.  

Support services available to the whole school community are below:  

• The Be You support services infographic provides an overview of key national mental health support services. The infographic can be accessed on the link above and is also shared as an image, at the end of this email.  
• Head to Health is a free online and phone service to help you find information, services, and resources to support mental health in an age group. They can connect you to local services for support. Some areas will also have face to face Medicare Mental Health Centres or Kids Hubs that can provide in person support.  
• The NSW mental health line is a free 24/7 phone service that links people to NSW mental health services. The service can offer mental health advice, conduct grief assessments and make recommendations about appropriate services including referrals to NSW health mental health services.  They can be contacted on 1800 011 511.  
•  Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.  They can be contacted on 1300 1300 52.