FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Staying Balanced and Preparing for Upcoming Changes

As we reach the midpoint of the term and approach assessment and exam periods, it is important for home and school to work together to support students in staying organised, focused, and balanced. Encouraging routines that include dedicated study time, regular breaks, and adequate rest can make a meaningful difference to both academic performance and overall wellbeing.

I would also like to remind families of important upcoming legislative changes to social media access that will take effect later this year. From 10 December 2025, many social media platforms will no longer be permitted to allow Australians under the age of 16 to create or keep an account.

The aim of this new law is to protect young people from online design features that encourage excessive screen time and exposes them to content that may affect their health, safety, and wellbeing.

It’s a significant change, and with a lot of information circulating online, it can be hard to know what’s accurate. The eSafety Commissioner has created a clear and practical Get Ready Guide to help families prepare and support their children through this transition. The guide includes:

• Information about which platforms will be affected;
• Steps young people can take to stay in touch with friends, content, and communities in safe, age-appropriate ways;
• Tips on how to protect personal information and save important digital memories before accounts are removed;
• Guidance on where to find help if the changes are causing stress or worry.

These changes are an opportunity for families to have important conversations about online safety, digital balance, and healthy social connections. As we move toward 2026, College policies will align with this new legislation to reflect national standards and support our students’ wellbeing.

For reliable, up-to-date information and access to the Get Ready Guide, visit Social media age restrictions: Get-ready guide for under-16s | eSafety Commissioner.

Tenille Hambly

ACTING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS