THE South Australian Government is assisting the Carly Ryan Foundation to support families as Australia prepares to lead the world with minimum-age social media reforms.<\/p>\n
The Foundation has launched the Social Media Transition Guide, a practical new resource to help Australian families support their children as Australia prepares to introduce national minimum-age restrictions on social media platforms on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The national legislation is modelled on framework laws prepared by former Chief Justice of the High Court the Honourable Robert French AC, at the request of South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a consequential week for our nation,\u201d Mr Malinauskas said. \u201cFrom Wednesday, social media giants will no longer be able to provide accounts to our children under the age of 16.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a sensible step to protect our children from harm, and I am proud that this endeavour began here in South Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise this transition is a significant one for many families. We also know the evidence shows that any short-term challenges will be greatly outweighed by long term benefits for our kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Social Media Transition Guide is a useful resource for parents to help their children adjust and encourage healthy human connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Social Media Transition Guide provides families, carers and schools with clear, supportive strategies to help young people adjust to life without their social media accounts safely and confidently.<\/p>\n
It is available free of charge on the Carly Ryan Foundation website thanks to support from the SA Government.<\/p>\n
SA Education Minister Blair Boyer said South Australia has been leading the nation in protecting our young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften the greatest challenge is how we get the attention of young people to tune in to important safety issues,\u201d Minister Boyer said. \u201cNothing is more powerful than the stories told by people that have lived through these nightmares.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Carly Ryan Foundation is Australia\u2019s first charity dedicated to online safety, law reform and harm-prevention education.<\/p>\n
Established in memory of Carly Ryan, the Foundation works nationally and internationally to protect young people through evidence-based education, professional training, advocacy and direct support under the leadership of founder and CEO Sonya Ryan OOAM.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve known Sonya for more than a decade and I know first-hand how important her work is,\u201d Minister Boyer said.<\/p>\n
Ms Ryan said families are telling us they feel overwhelmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany children are about to experience sudden changes to how they communicate, socialise and participate online,\u201d she said. \u201cThis Guide steps families through that transition with care. It helps them understand the reforms, set healthy boundaries, and support their children emotionally as they adapt to the new rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese reforms will only succeed if families feel supported. The Transition Guide is designed to reduce confusion, empower parents, and help children feel safe and secure throughout the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Social Media Transition Guide offers:<\/strong><\/p>\n