Australia’s social media ban for users under 16 is set to roll out in less than two weeks. It’s no secret that many young people spend a lot of their free time on social media platforms, making the ban a daunting prospect.
Kids may be wondering: Who will they have to talk to? How will they find out what’s happening in the world? Where will they find that all-important sense of connection?
With these important questions in mind, let’s explore how we can support our kids to adapt to this change.
Sometimes the busyness of life takes over, and we neglect to spend time talking to each other. It’s important to debrief about and reflect on each day with our kids and take the time to listen to them.
We can also encourage hobbies and passions: sport, art, music, reading or simply being outdoors. These aren’t just ways to fill time; they help young people discover who they are beyond the screen.
Strengthening peer connections offline matters too. Lunchtime clubs, after-school activities or community projects give kids the chance to maintain friendships and build new ones without relying on digital platforms.
Family rituals can be powerful anchors. Shared meals, board games or evening walks remind kids that connection begins at home.
And while social media may have been their main source of news, we can guide them toward age-appropriate ways of staying informed through podcasts, school discussions or trusted news sources.
Creative outlets like journaling, drawing or music also provide space for reflection and self-expression. These practices help kids process emotions and share their voice in ways that don’t depend on likes or followers.
At Impact Community ACADEMY, we believe in the power of human connection, both student to student and student to staff. We encourage students to get away from the screen by engaging in meaningful conversations and group activities. We also model healthy digital habits ourselves, showing that connection doesn’t have to be online.
Let’s support our young people to make the transition away from social media as seamless as possible. With encouragement, structure and genuine connection, they can discover that life offline isn’t about missing out; it’s about gaining something deeper.
By Jenna Auer, Impact Community ACADEMY Principal
