Welcome to Term 4! It has been wonderful to see students returning with such positivity and pride in their Summer uniform, meeting our College grooming and presentation guidelines. As we begin this final term, our focus remains on strong attendance to ensure every student continues to build on their learning progress and finishes the year with confidence and success.

We also have an exciting array of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing initiatives taking place this term, including the Senior Retreat, House Captain elections for 2026, Elevate Education workshops, the U Turn the Wheel program, and a special presentation by Paul Wade, to name just a few. These experiences are designed to support student growth, leadership, and wellbeing as we conclude another wonderful year of learning and community at the College.

Supporting Our Students Online: 

What the New Social Media Laws Mean & How You Can Help

We know that social media plays a big role in our teenagers’ lives — it’s where they connect, express themselves, and stay in touch with friends. But like many parents, you may also worry about its pressures, its mental health impact, and how to manage it all safely. In Australia, new rules coming into effect from 10 December 2025 bring some of those concerns into sharper focus — and present us with an opportunity to help our children navigate the digital world more confidently.

Under amendments to the Online Safety Act, from 10 December 2025, “age-restricted social media platforms” will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years old from creating or continuing to hold accounts.

In simpler terms:

• Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube (once considered for exemption) are likely to fall under these rules. 
• The law does not penalise under-16 users or their parents. Rather, it places the legal responsibility on the platforms to ensure they are not allowing underage accounts.
• Platforms may be required to deactivate under-16 accounts, prevent re-registration, and use layered “age assurance” systems
• It’s not a blanket ban on access to the internet or social media content — young people may still view feeds or content, but they won’t be able to maintain an active account under the age threshold in many platforms.

Because this is a new legal regime, there will be adjustments — the eSafety Commissioner cautions that it may not happen overnight, and that what we’re facing is “a social media delay,” rather than an immediate wipe-out of all under-16 accounts.

Why this matters for our students

Social media isn’t just harmless chatting. The way many platforms are designed — constant notifications, algorithmic content suggestions, peer comparison, instant feedback — can exaggerate stress, anxiety, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and other negative effects. The new rules are intended to shift part of the responsibility from families to the platforms themselves, making it harder for children to maintain accounts before they turn 16.

But that doesn’t let us off the hook — the home environment remains extremely important. In fact, the months ahead are a perfect time for families to prepare, model healthy digital habits, and have open conversations.

Parent Checklist: Preparing for the New Social Media Laws Supporting your child through upcoming social media changes

1. Talk early and often
   Start open, calm conversations about how your child uses social media and how the new laws will affect them.
2. Review current accounts
   Sit down together and list which apps or platforms your child uses. Discuss which ones may be restricted under the new rules.
3. Plan a transition
   Help your child prepare for possible changes by agreeing on what to do if an account is deactivated — e.g. using messaging apps, YouTube Kids, or other safe options.
4. Model good habits
   Show balanced phone and screen use yourself — have phone-free zones or family tech-free times.
5. Stay informed
   Visit the eSafety Commissioner website for the latest updates, webinars, and guides for parents.
6. Build offline connections
   Encourage in-person social time, sports, creative hobbies, and community involvement to replace online time.
7. Focus on wellbeing
   Remind your child that their self-worth isn’t tied to likes or followers — help them build confidence through real-world relationships.

The December age-restriction changes mark a significant moment in how Australia regulates the online world for young people. But it’s not all “set and forget” — how we as families respond, guide, and communicate in the months leading up to it can make a big difference.

By being proactive, modelling healthy behaviour, and keeping communication open, you’ll help your child move more confidently into this new landscape — and be better equipped to resist the pressures that social media can bring. 

Empowering Parents: Respectful Relationships

CEDoW is excited to welcome Australian youth advocate and 2025 Australian of the Year nominee, Daniel Principe, for a parent information night. His presentation is specifically designed for parents of secondary students and will provide vital tools to help young people navigate the culture around them.

This information session will be hosted by Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, on 27 November 2025. 

Mrs Simon Huntly & Mrs Theresa Moore

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinators