Online Safety Bill Submission
PTC Submission: The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024
22 November 2024
To the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
We at Progressive Therapeutic Collective (PTC), a queer-owned mental health practice specialising in inclusive and community-focused care, submit this response to the proposed Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024. While we understand the desire to protect young people from harm, we respectfully oppose the banning of individuals under 16 from accessing social media platforms. Instead, we advocate for inclusive, evidence-informed safeguards to ensure their safe engagement.
We are also deeply concerned about the short timeframe provided for submissions on this bill. Such a limited consultation period undermines meaningful community engagement and appears designed to stifle criticism and genuine input from stakeholders. A matter of such importance deserves a more inclusive, transparent, and thoughtful approach.
Understanding the Challenges and Dangers of Social Media
We acknowledge the genuine risks social media presents, including exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy breaches. However, banning under-16s is not a solution. Instead, platforms should embed robust safeguards that promote safe engagement. Examples of such safeguards include:
Age-appropriate content moderation algorithms.
Built-in tools for reporting harmful behaviour.
User-friendly privacy controls.
Parental guidance features with consent-based monitoring.
Transparent data protection policies.
Limits on direct messaging between unknown parties.
Verified accounts for educational or youth-focused content creators.
Well-being features like time limits and screen time reminders.
Access to free digital literacy programmes.
Integration of 24/7 crisis support services.
These measures provide a proactive approach to safety while recognising the valuable role of social media in young people’s lives.
The Role of Social Media in Connection and Building Community
Social media fosters connection and builds a sense of belonging. For young people, platforms offer opportunities to explore shared interests, engage with diverse perspectives, and find community. In a world where connection can be fragmented, particularly for marginalised groups, these spaces serve as vital tools for fostering identity, growth, and collaboration.
Supporting Isolated Young People
For young people experiencing isolation due to distance, disability, chronic illness, or caregiving responsibilities, social media can be a lifeline. These platforms enable access to peer support, online education, advocacy networks, and resources that may not be available locally. Removing access risks further marginalising these individuals and exacerbating feelings of loneliness and exclusion.
Other Benefits of Social Media for Young People
Social media empowers young people through creative expression, skill development, and advocacy. It provides a platform for activism, enabling them to raise awareness about issues that matter to them. Additionally, social media supports learning opportunities, access to inspirational role models, and exposure to cultures and ideas beyond their immediate environment.
The Importance of a Nuanced Conversation
Safety and access are not mutually exclusive. Instead of punitive restrictions, we need a nuanced approach to online safety, balancing risk management with empowerment. Policies should be informed by youth voices, mental health professionals, educators, and tech experts. Protecting young people should not mean excluding them—it should mean equipping them with the tools and knowledge to navigate online spaces confidently and safely.
We urge you to reconsider the approach outlined in this bill. A framework rooted in safeguards, education, and inclusivity better aligns with the progressive vision of fostering resilience and well-being in all young people. Furthermore, we strongly recommend extending the consultation period to enable genuine community participation in shaping this critical legislation.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Newbold (she/her)
Senior Counsellor, Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor
Progressive Therapeutic Collective (PTC)