Deputy Principal
Mr Simon Vaughan, Deputy Principal
Exploring the Impact of the Social Media Ban on Literacy
St Stephen’s Catholic College is always looking for ways to support the learning, wellbeing and future success of our students. Many parents will be aware of the growing national conversation about young people’s use of social media and its impact on learning, particularly literacy. In this context, a new study being launched by Australian Catholic University (ACU) is both timely and significant.
ACU researchers are commencing a major study to examine whether the recently introduced social media restrictions for young people can help lift literacy outcomes, which many experts have described as being at concerning levels nationwide. The study will investigate connections between reduced social media use, improved attention, increased reading time and stronger engagement with learning tasks in schools.
An article published by Education HQ on 7 May, titled “New study probes social media ban's potential to save dire literacy rates”, highlights the urgency behind the research. The article reports that declining literacy results across Australia have prompted educators and researchers to look closely at factors influencing students’ ability to read deeply, write effectively and concentrate for sustained periods. Excessive screen time and constant online distractions have been identified as possible contributors to these challenges.
According to ACU, the study aims to move beyond assumptions and provide evidence-based findings that can inform future education policy and school practice. Researchers will work with schools and families to assess changes in students’ reading habits, comprehension skills and overall learning focus as social media access is reduced or more tightly managed.
For families at St Stephen’s Catholic College, this research reinforces the importance of strong partnerships between home and school. Literacy development does not occur only in classrooms; it is shaped by daily routines, expectations and the balance children experience between screen-based activities and activities such as reading, conversation and creative play. While social media can have positive uses, especially for connection, the ACU study encourages thoughtful reflection on how and when it is used by young people.
We will continue to monitor the findings of this study as they emerge and consider what they may mean for our community in Mareeba. In the meantime, we encourage parents to support literacy at home by promoting regular reading, limiting distractions during homework time and having open conversations with children about healthy digital habits.
Together, informed by research and guided by our shared values, we can help our students develop the literacy skills they need to thrive now and into the future.
Regards,
Simon Vaughan | Deputy Prin