Social Media 

In response to a recent escalation in concerns being raised around student social media use, the Middle School team along with Wellbeing have put together some information for parents and guardians of students in Year 7 and 8. 

This information is designed to assist parents in understanding the rules around social media usage, signs to look for when a young person is being affected by social media usage and some tips for parents and guardians. 

Social Media and Young People: Are We Keeping Our Teenagers Safe? 

Social media has become a significant part of young people's lives. While platforms can provide opportunities for connection, communication and self-expression, they also expose young people to risks that they may not yet have the maturity or skills to manage independently.  This is an important conversation for parents and carers of students in Years 7 and 8 to have with their children.

Understanding the Law 

Since 10 December 2025, Australian law has required certain social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from having accounts. This includes platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit and YouTube. The responsibility rests with the platforms, rather than children or their parents. 

These restrictions are an important step towards protecting young people. However, legislation alone cannot keep children safe online. Young people may still encounter inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online grooming, harmful material and unwanted contact through other platforms, messaging services and gaming environments. 

Parents Need to take an Active Role 

It is important that parents don't underestimate the influence social media can have on young people. At this age, teenagers are still developing their emotional regulation, judgement, understanding of relationships and ability to recognise potentially harmful situations. 

Allowing unrestricted access to social media without supervision can expose young people to risks they are not yet equipped to manage. 

Parents should know which apps their children are using, who they are communicating with, what content they are accessing and what privacy settings are in place. Simply asking whether they are being safe online is not enough. Regular conversations, active supervision and appropriate parental controls are essential. 

It is also important to remember that a child's insistence that "everyone else has it" does not necessarily mean they are ready for it. 

Recognising When Social Media is Becoming a Problem 

Social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep users engaged. Notifications, likes, endless scrolling and constant updates can make it difficult for young people to disconnect. 

Parents should be mindful of changes such as: 

• Becoming anxious, irritable or distressed when separated from their phone. 
• Constantly checking notifications or feeling compelled to respond immediately. 
• Staying up late or disrupting sleep to use social media. 
• Withdrawing from family, friendships, physical activity or other interests. 
• Becoming increasingly preoccupied with likes, followers, appearance or online approval. 

• Experiencing changes in mood, confidence or self-esteem linked to online interactions. 

   

These behaviours are worth paying attention to, particularly when they begin affecting a young person's everyday functioning and wellbeing. 

Setting Boundaries and Creating Healthy Habits 

Parents should not be afraid to set limits around technology use. Establishing clear expectations early is much easier than trying to change habits once unrestricted access has become part of everyday life. 

Consider: 

• Setting clear limits around recreational screen time. 
• Keeping phones and devices out of bedrooms overnight. 
• Having device-free times, particularly during meals, homework and family activities. 
• Reviewing privacy settings, app permissions and parental controls. 
• Knowing the platforms your child is using and having access to appropriate supervision. 
• Encouraging offline friendships, hobbies, exercise and face-to-face connection. 

Most importantly, keep communication open. Young people need to feel comfortable telling a parent or trusted adult if they encounter something upsetting, inappropriate or frightening online. The College has set up a Community Call Out form for students to use to discretely call out peer behaviours online and at school. This can be found via the star button on Compass or HERE. 

We cannot expect young people to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment without guidance. Giving a teenager a smartphone or access to social media also means accepting responsibility for helping them use it safely. 

Setting boundaries is not about being controlling or unreasonable. It is about recognising that young people are still developing and need adults to provide guidance, supervision and protection. Sometimes, being a responsible parent means saying no, even when it is unpopular. 

Our goal should not simply be to limit technology, but to help young people develop a healthy relationship with it, understand its risks and build the confidence to make safer decisions online. 

Middle School Team:

Amber Thomson & Della Zhang

Year 7 Year Level Leaders

Abby McMahon & Charlie Wakeham

Year 8 Year Level Leaders

Juanita Blair

Leader of Middle School

Student Management & Engagement

Andrew Biggs

Leader of Transitions & Learning Improvement Year 7 & 8

Bec Howell

Learning Specialist

Wellbeing & Engagement Year 7 & 8

Tajinder Wulff

Mental Health Pracitioner