The Australian government has announced new legislation that will ban children under 16 from using social media. The legislation is aimed at protecting our young people from the harms associated with various social media platforms. While there are still some unanswered questions regarding the how effective this legislation will be in a practical sense, it does appear to be a step in the right direction. Once passed through parliament, the legislation places the burden of compliance more with the platform operator than it does the family. Having said that, it is important that families still openly communicate about online worries and that strong boundaries are established within the home for personal devices.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has also recently announced that they would introduce additional processes and measures to protect teenagers from harmful online content. This includes updating the accounts of younger users so that tight restrictions are automatically embedded, thus limiting exposure to inappropriate content like violence, nudity, drugs and information promoting self-harm. Again, this is a step in the right direction, but questions have been raised around whether these steps go far enough to ensure users are protected sufficiently.

Understanding algorithms

It is important that more focus be placed on reviewing and regulating the algorithms driving social media engagement. These algorithms are the invisible hand that guide content to users. They are powerful allies to those trying to build an online audience. Acting like a virtual match-maker, they attempt to pair content with the users who wish to access it. While social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by creating personalised content, there is a darker side. They also tend to serve our children more and more content whether it is harmful or not. The algorithms do not consider what is beneficial for young minds, instead, they prioritise content that encourages more interaction, regardless of its impact.

Among parent groups and within networks of experts in the field, the connection between social media algorithms and mental health has become a growing concern. Children are particular vulnerable to the negative impacts of social media feeds driven by the seedy underbelly of algorithms. Research shows that excessive exposure to curated content that emphasises unrealistic body images, negative news, distressed personal stories, or generally toxic content can lead to greater likelihood of anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem.    

Emotional Manipulation?

Social media algorithms are built to prioritise content that evokes a strong response from the viewer. It could be outrage, sadness, or excitement. Reactions are what they are programmed to seek. Algorithms associated with Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are optimised to promote engagement, regardless of the age of the user, or the harm they could inflict on vulnerable members of society. Emotionally charged or overly negative content serves to distort the viewers perspective. Depending on the content, it could consistently promote an unhealthy body image perspective, or promote an overly misogynistic outlook, or expose children to shocking content.

One effect of social media on mental health that is under scrutiny is upsurge of social comparison. When fed by an algorithm, Social Comparison can lead to feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, jealously, and spikes anxiety, depression, and lowers self-esteem. Social pressure (similar to peer pressure) is applied to young users to comply with an unrealistic lifestyle – to look, act and feel a certain way. To gain kudos or validation through comments, likes, shares, or followers. Over time, the constant social comparison can negatively affect a young person’s self-image and contribute to mental health concerns like eating disorders and depression.

I encourage parents to watch this Four Corners report titled Disconnected. It tackles some of the harsh truth behind the dangers of social media for your children.   

Disconnected Four Corners (November 4, 2024)   Four Corners LOUISE MILLIGAN, REPORTER   After 20 years of unfettered growth, a realisation is dawning about the true cost of social media. And it’s the younger generations facing the brunt of the deadly consequences.   As Australia grapples with how to regulate social media, in the US, thousands of parents are taking up the fight to hold these hugely profitable tech giants accountable...through the courts. In the last Four Corners episode of 2024, reporter Louise Milligan speaks to whistleblowers, one of the lawyers running the case, and a family devastated by the loss of their 18-year-old daughter.   As Meta introduces new protections for young people, insiders and families who've witnessed the most tragic consequences tell Four Corners enough is enough. Disconnected will air on Monday, November 4, at 8:30 p.m. on ABC TV and ABC iview. For more information, visit abc.net.au/news and follow ABC News on social media.

What can parents do to help?

1. Understand how the algorithms may be manipulating your child.
   1. Discuss with your child the power of algorithms.
   2. Encourage your child to think critically about the content they seek out and its potential impact.
      
      
2. Set screen time limits.
   1. Limit your child’s exposure to algorithm driven content.
   2. Set boundaries regarding social media use.
   3. Create a schedule and establish clear boundaries about when, where, and how long your child can interact with social media – including YouTube.
   4. Encourage other activities that do not involve screens.
3. Use parental controls and privacy settings
   1. Adjust the settings to ensure your child’s social media account is set to private.
   2. Monitor what they are watching and check their search history.
   3. Set limits to prevent endless scrolling and feeding the algorithm.
      
      
4. Encourage critical thinking and media literacy
   1. Helping young child to think before they tap on content. Encourage them to question the motives behind the content.
   2. Foster open dialogue and create a safe environment for your child to talk when they are feeling uncomfortable about online content they have been exposed to.
      
      
5. Monitor content and usage
   1. Keep an eye on what they are viewing - check their feeds, discuss concerns.
   2. Promote positive online behaviours – encourage them to follow influencers who promote positivity, healthy interests etc …
      
      
6. Seek help when needed.
   1. Do not underestimate the impact of social media on the mind of your child. If you notice a change in their behaviour or their mental health, do not hesitate in seeking professional help. Professionals can provide support and guidance in addressing issues related to social media and its impact.  

Supports

Last week on assembly, we reminded students about their responsibility to report any form of harassment, abuse, or concerning behaviour. We discussed who they can report this to, and how they can go about making reports. Whilst this information was not limited to online harassment or abuse, personal devices do unfortunately create opportunities for unsavoury interactions. At OLSCC, we want our students to feel safe, to be safe, and to know they have someone to talk to if they need some support.

Volunteer Group – Friends of Iona

Community service is an essential element of the Catholic Social Teachings we promote within the College. Considering others and being people of action is at the heart of Praxis and a large component of our Living Your Faith domain. Since the beginning of this term, a small group of students have been attending the old convent – Iona – once a week to help the parishioners with cleaning and tidying the upstairs level of the building.

The Iona Convent, built in 1913, is a building of great appeal with two levels featuring intricate wrought iron work, beautiful pressed metal ceilings and many verandas. It is now heritage listed, but it was once the residence of the Sisters of Mercy up until 1990, after which it became a boarding hostel for Dalby Catholic schools. In more recent times it has housed dance schools and fitness classes and is currently the home of DISCO agency in the downstairs level.  With the upstairs level being vacant, broken windows have allowed dust and pigeons to make it home, and the level of maintenance required has become more that the parishioners can manage.

The volunteer group, made up of Will Bryant, Isabelle Tia, Lucy Scott, Lincoln Frid, Willow Gilliland and Harriet Manly, have presented at the convent after school once a week to complete their Above and Beyond tasks for the passport. They are doing a great job and making a real difference. Special thanks to Mr Coman and Gemma who helped out yesterday, along with Deb Harwood who is a regular staff helper as well.

If your child is interested in getting involved, whether it be for the Leadership Passport or not, they are most welcome. Please have them touch base with myself either in person at the College or via email.

Kind regards, 

Craig Cullen

Assistant Principal Middle Years