To usher in a new online era, the industry must step up for Australia’s families too

With the social media ban now in effect, it's time to ready ourselves to make the transition effective. 

Let's be honest, we know teenagers are tech-savvy and will find ways to work around the social media ban for under 16s. While I agree with the ban on principal as a parent to two children, I know as a technology leader enforcement will be challenging. 

We should be petrified of what social media algorithms are feeding young Australians. This ban is a good first step, but there are steps we as the technology industry must take. Enforcement will be challenging unless we address the real problem: the algorithm and the lack of digital literacy.

Digital literacy and parental responsibility are non-negotiables

As leaders and as parents, we need to step up. You can't legislate good parenting, we need to model the right behaviours, talk openly about online risks, and create environments where being off-screen is normal.

We need a balanced approach to helping teens manage technology. The problem isn't just age, it's the endless stream of content designed for engagement, not safety.

I hope this ban gives families time to create memories that are off-screen. Kids should be allowed to be kids. The more we can take pressure off social media, the more we protect their mental health and sense of self.

Business and leadership have roles to play

Technology leaders have a duty to be part of the solution, even if they're not directly affected. Businesses shape how we use digital tools every day. We can help educate staff, support schools and lead by example in how we engage online. Protecting young people's digital wellbeing isn't just a government issue; it's a community one.

We're looking into some exciting ways to inject better autonomy and education into communities that need it as a company – ask yourself, what is yours able to contribute? 

Metro and regional divide widens

There is a distressing discrepancy between metropolitan, regional and rural communities' access to technology, which disproportionally disadvantages First Nations communities. A priority should be helping elevate these areas to the same level of access and competency as our city populations.

At that age, you want to find friendly voices to relate to, to follow, and they're easier to find and keep consistent online. Without accounts, some platforms will feed whatever might be viral to users, with little filter over how appropriate the content might be.

Overall, this policy will test how far the government can go to protect citizens without stifling innovation or overstepping into parental responsibility. However, we can harness this tension. At the end of the day, families want to manage responsible usage of the Internet and social media while wanting to protect their children from harmful content. This is something we can all support in our own way.