Newsletter

The changes and development in digital communication and the virtual world for our young people have little to no predictability. AI informs what we read, algorithms help determine what we see and hear from our digital devices. As an adult it is becoming more difficult to discern reality from fake, truth from propaganda, so imagine a young person navigating this world as the only one they know.

A growing body of research has found that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, extended social media interaction can affect literacy levels and therefore academic outcomes.

Social Media is powerful, persuasive but the harm is becoming less about the technological influence and more about the psychological influence on children and young people.

There are design features in the platforms and apps that:

• encourage too much time on screens; for example, by prompting young people with streams of notifications and alerts, and pressuring them to view disappearing content
• increase the likelihood of exposure to negative, upsetting or manipulative content served up in their feeds by algorithms.

Platforms and Apps Banned for Children Under 16 years

The above list is directly affected by the new laws, which the Federal Government says will make life safer for young Australians – both on and offline.

Continued support for families navigating social media changes

We know families are continuing to adjust to the Social Media Minimum Age changes introduced on 10 December 2025, which means many social media platforms must prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts.

Student ICT Policy

Modifications to the St Aloysius College Student ICT Policy and other relevant policies have been completed in response to this federal legislation. Parents and carers should note that at St Aloysius College all students enrolled in Year 7-10 must adhere to the Social Media Delay conditions regardless of the likelihood of becoming 16 during their enrolment in Year 10.

Early results are encouraging. eSafety Commissioner’s initial monitoring shows major platforms restricted or removed access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the first half of December. Implementing fair and accurate age check processes will takes time. If your under 16 still has access to social media accounts, you don't have to wait for the platforms to act. You can:

• have a conversation with your child about the age restrictions, explaining they're designed to help protect people their age
• explore the FAQ's, such as 'How can I help my child prepare for losing social media accounts?'
• delete the apps with your child.

If your under 16 is feeling confused, overwhelmed or unsure about how to cope with the change, the 'I need help' page offers support just for them – including practical steps and direct links to 24/7 services such as Kids Helpline, Headspace and 13YARN.

It is important young people know they won’t get into trouble for seeking help if they experience something harmful online – even if it happens on a social media platform they’re not meant to be using.

The St Aloysius College Child Safety Team consists of Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal, College Psychologist, and a representative of the Year Level Leader Team. This team is responsible for ensuring Child Safe Standards are at the forefront of decision making, programs, resources and compliance. The Social Media Delay is one legislation that helps protect our young people from online vulnerability and our parents and carers have an equally major role in its implementation.

Ad Altiora

Rachel Valentine
Deputy Principal