Australia’s social media age restrictions are fast approaching — Western Sydney University experts available for interview

Western Sydney University experts are available for interviews ahead of the social media age restrictions coming into effect on 10 December. Offering insight into the implications of the new restrictions, the University’s experts can discuss topics such as how users may still access social media feeds while logged out, the impact on young people’s access to news and information, and the importance of strategies that help children to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Professor Elizabeth Handsley, School of Law

Professor Elizabeth Handsley has been involved in scholarship and advocacy on children's rights as media users for over 25 years. Her interests cover content classification, children's quotas, advertising regulation, data privacy and online safety; and her output includes traditional academic publications, submissions to reviews and inquiries, and interviews with print and electronic media. In addition to these activities, she hosts a podcast on children, families and screens, Outside the Screen, and she is the President of Children and Media Australia.

“It's misleading to refer to this legislation as a ban, because it only requires reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having an account on certain platforms. All responsibility falls on the platforms, not on the young teens, and content will still be available in the logged-out state.”

“While the list of inclusions and exclusions is not necessarily what we might have expected, given the aims of the legislation, the very existence of the legislation gives parents a welcome starting point for a boundary-setting conversation with their children.

“Next it will be time to ensure there are plenty of fun and engaging activities for under-16s to take the place of social media, especially in regional communities and for those for whom it might be difficult to find like-minded peers in real life.”

Associate Professor Joanne Orlando, School of Education

Dr Joanne Orlando (PhD) is an internationally recognised researcher, media commentator and policy advisor in digital wellbeing with a particular expertise on technology use by children and families. She served as an expert advisor for the Federal Government's Age Verification Trials (2024) and contributed to NSW's groundbreaking social media policy, delivering a keynote address at the NSW Premier's Social Media Summit and participating in subsequent strategic planning (2024). As a trusted advisor to global technology leaders, Dr Orlando holds unprecedented influence in shaping digital safety policies.

“My research with Australian families shows that guiding children's tech use is consistently the top parenting challenge. This challenge has intensified recently with the rapidly changing digital landscape, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed. Although banning social media seems tempting, it merely places the issue on pause. Children will eventually use these platforms, still ill-equipped to handle their complexities.”

“‘Social Media Literacy’ is crucial for minimising potential harm. Much like the evolution of sex education which guides children towards healthy and safe relationships, Social Media Literacy should empower children with the skills to critically understand and navigate their social media feeds.

“Children tell me that adults always tell them what not to do but no one educates them on what to do. Social Media Literacy addresses this. Shifting from the current risk-focus approach to parent education to Social Media Literacy education for parents will address their overwhelm and build the confidence and understanding they need to raise children in our digitally complex society.”

Professor Tanya Notley, School of Humanities and Communication Arts

Dr Tanya Notley is Professor of Digital Media and Communication at Western Sydney University. She leads the Advancing Media Literacy program at the University and is co-founder and member of the Australian Media Literacy Alliance. Dr Notley leads two longitudinal survey projects—the first examines adult media literacy and the second young people’s news literacy. She also does research in people’s homes to understand everyday media experiences.

“It’s important to consider the unintended impacts of this ban — especially those that may cause harm. For example, our research shows that social media is the preferred source of news for Australian teenagers aged 13-16 years. News engagement is critical to civic engagement. We need to consider how we can support young people to share their experiences and advocate on the issues that matter to them online and in our communities. This is so important for the health and future of our democracy."

“It is important to note that students can still use many social media platforms with this new legislation – they just can’t be given their own accounts. We need to ensure all young Australians are given media literacy education in school. Only looking at a narrow set of online risks and harms does not prepare students for the complex opportunities and challenges the internet presents.

“The national curriculum body ACARA has developed a suite of new resources to support media literacy education in the classroom from Foundation to Year 10. The next step is for governments to support teachers to deliver this education to all students and to ensure this education properly prepares students for social media use.”

To arrange an interview, please contact the respective academic directly or email media@westernsydney.edu.au.

ENDS

17 November 2025

Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: dole777 via Unsplash