Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells visited St John Paul II College in Canberra on Thursday, meeting students and teachers the day after Australia’s new national ban on social media for under-16s came into effect. Source: Catholic Voice.
Sitting in the school library with a small group of Year 8 and 9 students, the Prime Minister heard how the world-leading laws were being implemented in classrooms, homes, and friendship groups.
“The kids were really excited to talk with the Prime Minister,” Information Literacy Officer Jenna Martin said. “It’s been great to be part of conversations around such a significant change – what it means for them, what’s real and what isn’t, and how we support them through something that is such a relevant part of their life.”
Ms Martin said the ban had prompted discussions among students, particularly in Year 9 and 10, where some teenagers are still under 16 while others have crossed the line.
“Some students have been banned, some haven’t, and that can cause a little bit of angst,” she said. “They’re looking for support and education around what’s next.”
One Year 9 student said his Snapchat account had already been removed.
“I never really used it much and was planning to get rid of it, so it helped me make the decision,” he said. “Some of my friends say it’s good that something is being done. Others really don’t like it and want their social media back.”
Mr Albanese said the change was significant but necessary.
“People were able to communicate before social media, and they will be able to communicate after,” he said. “What we know is that you get better educational outcomes, better behaviour and better social interaction when students aren’t constantly on their devices.”
The visit also highlighted the school’s own shift away from screens. St John Paul II College will become a laptop-free campus next year, building on a phone ban introduced this year.
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PM Albanese visits JPII College as nation enforces social media ban for under-16s (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
