Social media ban for under-16s poses challenge for Cairns schools and families

A study released this week has found that more than 80 per cent of under-16s in Australia are continuing to use social media three months after legislation banning them from the platforms came into force, raising questions about the effectiveness of the law and its application in Cairns communities. According to the Guardian, experts say the legislation alone is not enough to stop children accessing harmful content online and that a more 'convincing strategy is required'.

For Cairns schools, parents and educators, the findings suggest that the social media ban will require broader community engagement and monitoring strategies beyond legal enforcement. With the vast majority of young people still accessing platforms, families in Far North Queensland will need to focus on digital literacy and open conversations about online safety rather than relying solely on legislation to protect young users.

The research indicates that technology companies, schools, and families will need to collaborate on more comprehensive approaches to managing young people's online activity. Cairns-based youth services and educational institutions may need to adapt their digital safety programs to reflect the reality that under-16s continue accessing social media despite the ban, focusing instead on harm reduction and critical thinking about online content.

Sources: theguardian.com.

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