Salvos develop resources to navigate social media age ban
- deansimpson7
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
The Salvation Army has developed a series of resources to help young people and adults navigate the Australian Government’s new social media age restrictions. Recent regulations require many social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent young people under the age of 16 from holding an account.
“The resources were created to support meaningful conversations between young people, parents and leaders,” explains Auxiliary-Lieutenant Mel Purcell, leader of the National Youth and Young Adults Team.
“We explored what resources were already available online and worked closely with the National Youth and Young Adult team to shape content that is practical, relevant and supportive. The goal is to help adults start open conversations to understand young people’s experiences and feel more confident in how they can offer support.”
The new changes are designed to reduce exposure to harmful content and create safer online environments, but they may also feel disruptive for young people who rely on digital spaces for connection, belonging, and friendship.
For some, losing access to familiar platforms can bring real feelings of loss, isolation, or fear of missing out. Age-restricted platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Switch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
READ MORE: To view the Start the Conversation resources, click here
“Many young people may be feeling uncertain, frustrated, or disconnected as these changes affect how they communicate and stay connected with friends,” says Mel.
“For some, social media has been a key part of their social world and identity, so these changes can feel significant. While we may not see the full impact for some time, it is important that parents, carers, and leaders create space to listen, understand and walk alongside young people as they process how they are feeling.”
The new resources were developed to provide practical and compassionate support for young people, parents, and leaders navigating this transition.
Each resource explains what the changes mean, acknowledges both the challenges and potential benefits, and offers guidance for healthy conversations. Rather than focusing only on rules or restrictions, the Salvo resources aim to centre wellbeing, understanding, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships, both online and offline.
“This transition offers a valuable opportunity to deepen relationships with young people by being present, listening well, and offering consistent support,” Mel says. “By intentionally investing in real-world connection, we can help young people feel valued, understood and supported while also strengthening trust and community during a time of change.”
More helpful links:
• Young people seeking mental health support: Headspace.
• Leaders, parents, and young people, stay informed about the restrictions here.
