Feedback wanted for social media education program

THE State Government is seeking feedback from parents, teachers and young people about potential age limits for social media.

The findings from the survey, which was launched last week, will inform a new social media education program designed to keep children safe online.

The Safe Schools program will be presented in schools to help children and families navigate life with social media.

A dedicated website and fact sheets will also be provided.

Minister for education, Ben Carroll, said the program is about providing teachers with high quality resources to teach their students about digital safety.

“Victoria led the nation by banning mobile phones in schools because we could see the harm it was doing, and we’re now consulting on how to best protect our students from the harms of social media – and developing resources to provide teachers with high-quality, best practice materials to teach digital literacy and safety,” he said.

The State Government will also work with the Federal and other State and Territory governments to introduce social media age limits.

“There are benefits to social media, but when it comes to kids and young people, the bad often outweighs the good,” said Minister for youth Natalie Suleyman.

“Age limits will give parents the power to push back against the tech giants, and Safe Socials will help kids old enough to sign up know how to use it safely.”

The survey can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/safesocials and will be open until Friday 1 November.

Consultation will also include roundtable discussions with stakeholders.