At last week’s Community Child Safe meeting, a significant portion of time was dedicated to discussing the new national social media laws set to take effect next month. While much of the conversation focused on how these laws aim to protect students from potential harm, there was also acknowledgment of the vital role social media plays in helping young people feel connected. Hannah Keating, our Leader of Student Wellbeing, captured the essence of this discussion in the media, and I’ve provided a summary of her account below.
From 10 December 2025, new national laws will require social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
This is a positive move, one that prioritises safety, wellbeing and balance for young people. However, it also means many of our students will lose access to popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat at the same time they’re stepping away from the social rhythms of school life.
At Damascus, we know that for many adolescents, social media isn’t simply a pastime, it is a space where friendships are built and maintained. As these online spaces change, some students may feel disconnected, particularly over the holidays when transport, distance or work routines make it harder to see friends face-to-face.
Our shared focus, as parents, carers and educators, is to help young people feel seen, supported and connected: both online and in the real world.
What Parents and Carers Need to Know
The age restriction, led by the eSafety Commissioner, will apply to:
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Kick, and Reddit.
WhatsApp and Messenger will not be restricted - allowing young people to stay in touch privately with close friends and family if parents/carers choose.
The regulation is designed to limit exposure to harmful content, addictive design features and online bullying, while encouraging young people to develop digital literacy skills in safer, age-appropriate spaces.
For more information, visit the official site:
🔗 www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions
Concerns About Connection Over the Holidays
The summer break can be a wonderful time to rest, but for some young people it also brings new challenges:
- Reduced contact with school friends and teachers who provide daily interaction and structure.
- Limited transport options for those living outside Ballarat, making meet-ups harder.
- More time alone at home while parents/carers work.
- Adjustment to digital change, as familiar apps become restricted.
- Feelings of boredom, frustration or isolation, particularly for students who already struggle socially.
By recognising these challenges early, we can help young people plan for connection, routine and enjoyment before loneliness takes hold.
How Parents and Carers Can Support Their Young Person:
Here are practical ways to nurture connection and confidence through the holidays:
- Talk Openly About the Change
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- Explain that the new laws are about protection, not punishment. Listen to how your student feels about losing access to social media and validate their frustration or disappointment.
- Encourage Real-World Connection
- Arrange in-person meet-ups — short, local get-togethers, picnics, sport, or shared movie nights.
- Support them to host friends at home or join community activities.
- Suggest phone or video calls instead of relying solely on messaging apps.
- Encourage them to plan one social catch-up per week to stay connected.
- Model Balance
- Young people learn from what they see. Keep mealtimes screen-free and spend time together doing something simple: cooking, walking, or watching a film.
- Notice Emotional Shifts
- Look out for signs of loneliness: changes in sleep, irritability, loss of motivation. A gentle “You seem a bit quiet lately, how are you feeling about the holidays?” can go a long way.
- Promote Local Involvement:
Encourage engagement in youth programs, volunteering, art workshops, or sports. Community connection builds confidence and belonging.
Support Services in Ballarat
Even though Damascus College will be closed over summer, several local and national supports are available to young people and families:
Local Youth Services
City of Ballarat Youth Services
The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
(03) 5320 5500 | ballarat.vic.gov.au/youthservices
Workshops, youth events and leadership opportunities for ages 12–25.
Y Ballarat Youth Programs
Barkly Square, 25–39 Barkly Street, Ballarat
(03) 4311 1500 | youth@yballarat.org.au | yballarat.org.au/youth-programs
Holiday activities, ReCranked bike recycling, wellbeing and inclusion programs.
CAFS (Child & Family Services Ballarat)
115 Lister Street, Ballarat
(03) 5337 3333 | cafs.org.au
Counselling, youth care and family support services.
Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) Ballarat
25 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat
(03) 9340 3700 | cmy.net.au/ballarat
Social connection and mentoring for young people from diverse backgrounds.
National 24/7 Supports
Please ensure that you reach out to your students House Leader should you require additional information.