Published on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 11:54:03 AM
Supporting Social Media Restrictions for our Young People's Health
On 10 December 2025, a new law came into effect that significantly improves online safety by restricting access to social media for those under 16 years old. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick, Reddit, and Twitch must now take “reasonable steps” to prevent account creation or continuation by users under 16.
This change isn’t about punishment—it’s about protection. By limiting early exposure to social media, young people have more time to develop resilience, digital literacy, and emotional awareness before engaging in online spaces. But as screens go dark, the question arises: how can we help youth find meaningful and enjoyable alternatives?
Why this Matters & How we can support our Youth
Social media often fills gaps in connection, creativity, and entertainment. Without it, young people need opportunities that provide similar benefits—community, self-expression, and fun—while fostering real-world skills and relationships.
Ideas for Purposeful and Fun Activities
1. Creative Arts and Expression
- Encourage painting, photography, music, or writing workshops
- Support local art programs or create community spaces for youth to showcase their talents.
Please Note: The local arts group, Nannup Arts, is supportive of providing support and space for exhibitions/workshops contact: nannupartstreasurer@gmail.com.
There are also other venues like the Community House available - contact the Shire on 9756 1018.
2. Outdoor Adventures
- Organise hiking, cycling, or nature exploration days.
- Promote sports clubs or recreational activities that build teamwork and confidence.
- Skill-Building Programs
- Coding clubs, robotics workshops, or maker spaces for hands-on learning.
- Cooking classes or gardening projects to teach practical life skills.
- Volunteering and Community Service
- Connect youth with local charities, groups or environmental initiatives.
- Offer recognition programs for volunteer hours to build a sense of achievement.
- Social Events Without Screens
- Get involved or participate in local events by volunteering - learn new skills, meet new people and get more comfortable with socialising through exposure.
- encourage participation in social events by getting on mailing lists so you know what is happening like our local fortnightly Connect (subscribe on the Shire website) and the Southern Forest Arts 'Arts Upbeat' digital newsletters.
- Host game nights, book clubs, or music jam sessions (some Shire venues available).
- Create youth-led committees to plan events, giving them ownership and leadership experience. Also, organisations like the SES take on Cadets.
See the Events page on the Shire website for local ones and get on the mailing lists of groups holding events and activities which interest you.
How Communities Can Help
- Partner with schools and local organisations to provide structured programs.
- Promote mental health resources alongside these activities to support emotional well-being. There are links below and a listing at the end of this newsletter.
Celebrate participation through community newsletters, social media (for parents), and local events - The local Telegraph and this Connect enewsletter are great for this - send your submissions through to the Shire email: nannup@nannup.wa.gov.au
The Shire organises many events (see the Events page on the website) and provide funding through the Community Grants program - opening again in March.
For other Grant opportunities the Shire provides Grant Guru for FREE!
Helpful Links:
Parentline support
https://parentline.com.au/issues/supporting-teens-social-media-ban
E Safety Information for all
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub
By working together, we can ensure young people thrive offline, discovering passions and building connections that last a lifetime.
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