From the Principal

New Age Rules for Social Media – What Families Should Know

Most people would have heard by now that the federal government intends to make some changes to the use of and access to social media for children under the age of 16. From December 10, 2025, Australia will introduce a new national law setting a mandatory minimum age of 16 for social media accounts. The aim is to help protect young people online, ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.

There has been a mixed response to this initiative, but most feedback has been positive. There is no doubt that many children find communicating online complex and are often exposed to things that they are not mature enough to understand. They are also exposed to so many influences that do not necessarily support or enhance their wellbeing and safety. Some would argue that this change is long overdue. At Lakeside College, we restrict access to social media sites centrally, disallowing students to access sites such as Tik Tok and Instagram easily. Unfortunately, once students leave the safety of school, the level of control over their use and access to social media reduces dramatically.

Under the new law, social media platforms, not parents, will hold responsibility for verifying users’ ages. Companies must take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Platforms that breach the law face penalties of up to $49.5 million.

Some online spaces are exempt from the rule. Messaging services, online games, health and education-focused platforms such as Headspace, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom will remain available to younger users.

What This Means for Our School Community

For Parents:

The responsibility to enforce age restrictions lies with each social media company.
Parents are encouraged to continue conversations with their children about online safety, digital wellbeing and how to navigate social spaces responsibly.
It’s a good time to review family guidelines for technology use before the new law takes effect.

For Students:

From December 10, those under 16 will no longer be able to create new accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or X.
Students can still access learning and wellbeing resources delivered through approved educational platforms.

For Schools:

Digital citizenship education will remain a vital part of equipping students to make wise, Christ-centered choices online.
The law highlights the importance of fostering communities, both in person and online where respect, kindness and care for others reflect the love of God.

As we work together to nurture students who are thoughtful and responsible digital citizens, this change serves as a reminder that wisdom and discernment are needed not just in the classroom, but everywhere we connect. I believe we all have a responsibility to support each other, help our children make wise and prudent choices when it comes to their online activities. I feel that if this law is successfully enforced and if loopholes are not found that enable students to bi-pass these restrictions, this law will result in positive changes in the lives of our children and society in general.

A Reflection

Loving God, as Australia prepares to protect our young people with new social media laws, we ask for your wisdom and grace to guide families, teachers and students in using technology wisely. Remind us of your call: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Help our hearts to stay centred on what is good and true.“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

May we be slow to speak, quick to listen and gentle in our responses, both in person and online.“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

Lord Jesus, guard the minds of our students and the hearts of our families. Give us courage to seek what builds others up rather than what tears down.“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

We thank you for the gift of connection, for the tools that help us learn and care for one another and for your Spirit who guides us toward wisdom.

In your holy name we pray,

Amen.

Mr Robert Tassoni

Principal