The State and Territory Education Ministers will be briefed today about the implementation of the new social media laws for under 16s by the Minister for Communications and the eSafety Commissioner.

The Minister and eSafety Commissioner will join the Education Minister’s Meeting on the Gold Coast to share resources schools can use, ahead of the the laws coming into effect on December 10.

Schools are expected to play an important role in information sharing, and to drive that the eSafety will today release a comprehensive package of resources available for free at eSafety.gov.au.

eSafety will also begin an extended series of webinars across Australian time zones to answer questions from the public and provide additional details.

The resources package includes:

• A dedicated online hub with tailored FAQs explaining what is happening, and how to prepare.
• Practical guidance for parents and carers, including conversations starters and get-ready guides.
• Information for educators, explaining what the new restrictions mean for schools, and how to prepare students.
• Youth-friendly content outlining what the new restrictions mean for young people, downloadable action plans and where to go for help and support.

Minister for Communications, Anika Wells said, “With less than two months until December 10, we will continue to engage with teachers, students, children and parents because we want this law to be discussed openly and regularly in classrooms, on the drive to school, and at the dinner table.

“Our Government is on the side of families and restricting under-16s from holding accounts on social media platforms is just one element of our ongoing work to keep young people safer online.

“We encourage all Australians to engage with the range of resources now available to help them understand the laws and, importantly, why they’re necessary – for the good of our young people.”

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant added, “Delaying children’s access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of opaque algorithms and endless scroll.

“eSafety will continue to support parents and educators build children’s digital literacy and resilience.”