The NSW Government is taking proactive steps to address the growing concerns about the impact of social media on children and young people. In October 2024, we will host a Social Media Summit aimed at tackling the mental health and safety challenges associated with online platforms.
Why This Summit is Important:
Social media offers valuable benefits, such as fostering connections and providing a platform for self-expression. However, there is increasing evidence of its negative effects on young people's mental health and safety. For example:
- Mental Health Risks: Adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to experience poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.
- Safety Concerns:
- 31% of 16 to 19-year-old Australians report being victims of image-based sexual abuse.
- Around 66% expect to encounter privacy or security issues online.
- 85% believe they are likely to have negative interactions with strangers online.
Summit Objectives:
- Examine the Latest Evidence: Review current research on the mental health and safety impacts of social media on young people.
- Develop Strategic Responses: Create effective policies and interventions to mitigate the negative effects and enhance the positive aspects of social media use.
- Engage Stakeholders: Bring together senior officials, policymakers, academics, social media representatives, and young people to collaborate on solutions.
Supporting Initiatives: The Social Media Summit is part of a broader strategy by the NSW Government to reduce the negative impacts of social media and digital devices on young people, including:
- Mobile Phone Ban in Schools: Implemented in all NSW public schools since October 2023 to minimize distractions and promote student well-being.
- Research Funding: A $2.5 million fund dedicated to investigating the effects of excessive screen time, video games, and mobile phone use on young people's learning and mental health.
- Enhanced Student Support: Recruiting 250 additional school counsellors as part of our commitment to student well-being.
- Policy Review: Led by NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor Professor Donna Cross, focusing on evidence-based practices and school policies to manage students’ online behavior.
