Families in First Nations communities are encouraged to access newly developed resources aimed at supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers during a social media age restriction transition. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant announced that these tailored materials will be available on eSafety.gov.au starting from December 10, 2023, when the minimum social media age takes effect.
The resources, co-designed with First Nations communities, aim to clarify the upcoming changes, their significance, and how families can assist young people through this period. The initiative includes several key components: a First Nations parent and carer yarning guide, a First Nations student workbook, and a First Nations Communities digital toolkit.
In addition to these resources, the eSafety office will host a series of live webinars throughout December and into the new year, allowing parents and guardians to ask questions and seek guidance. These sessions will also be accessible on-demand via the eSafety website.
“This is a delay – not a ban – giving First Nations young people time and space for real-life connection with friends, family, culture and country,” said Inman Grant. She emphasized that the tailored resources are designed to equip First Nations parents, carers, and young individuals as they navigate the upcoming changes.
The First Nations student workbook is particularly valuable, as it can be utilized in yarning circles to facilitate important community discussions. Inman Grant also highlighted the recently launched guides, Safer Together! and Leaving Deadly Digital Footprints!, which focus on online safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. These guides incorporate storytelling, case studies, and interactive activities to promote safe and positive online behaviors among youth.
“We want First Nations young people to make this delay a positive opportunity to build digital literacy, critical thinking, and emotional resilience in the years and months before they turn 16 and are allowed to have a social media account,” Inman Grant stated.
She underscored the heightened risks faced by First Nations individuals, who are statistically more likely to encounter various online harms, including hate speech, discrimination, and bullying. As a result, Inman Grant strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, carers, and young people to visit eSafety.gov.au to access the resources and support available to them.
This initiative represents a proactive step towards fostering a safer online environment for First Nations youth, encouraging them to engage with their communities and enhance their digital skills during this critical transitional phase.
