Culture, Excellence & Growth 

Social Media Laws and Supporting Our Young People

You may be aware of the new social media restriction laws in Australia, which came into effect in December. These laws have been widely discussed in Parliament and across the media, with a clear intention: to better protect children under the age of 16 when engaging with social media platforms.

As a College, we encourage all families to take a moment to check in with your child about these changes. This may be a valuable opportunity to open up conversations such as:

• Are they currently using social media platforms? 
• Have accounts been deactivated in line with the new laws? 
• Are they still able to access platforms despite being under 16? 
• Have they encountered or attempted ways to bypass age verification processes? 

These conversations are important. While legislation plays a role, ongoing dialogue at home remains one of the most powerful ways to support young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

The purpose of these laws is to provide greater protection for children and young people, helping to reduce exposure to harmful content and to promote safer online environments.

For further information, guidance, and practical support, families and students can access the eSafety Commissioner’s hub:https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Parent–Teacher Interviews

Our recent parent–teacher interviews provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. These conversations are an important part of building a culture of connection, where students, families, and teachers work together to support learning, growth, and wellbeing.

When we take the time to connect, share insights, and listen to one another, we create a stronger, more supportive environment for our young people. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, and for students to reflect on the feedback provided and take an active role in their learning journey.

Thank you to our families and staff for your time, openness, and commitment to working together in the best interests of every student.

Thank You

As we come to the end of a busy and productive Term 1, we extend our sincere thanks to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and partnership, to our students for their effort, resilience, and engagement in their learning, and to our staff for their dedication, care, and commitment to our College community. Together, we continue to create a positive and supportive environment for all.

Wishing all members of our community a safe, restful, and joyful Easter, and a wonderful holiday break.