VMHH BYOD - Social Media

social media

This page provides important information on social media use, in line with new Australian Government regulations designed to protect children and young people.

All notifications for any messaging app are to be turned off before bringing the iPad to school

Definition of Social Media

The new Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 defines an 'age-restricted social media platform' broadly, to include any service whose primary purpose is to enable social interaction between two or more end-users. This includes:

Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
Micro-blogs (e.g., X)
Video and photo sharing websites (e.g., TikTok, YouTube)
Blogs and forums that facilitate social interaction (e.g., Reddit)
Wikis that enable public collaboration
Other emerging electronic/digital communication applications

It is important to note that the regulations do not apply to services primarily used for other purposes, such as:

Messaging, email, voice, or video calling services.
Online games.
Services that primarily provide information about products or services.
Professional networking or development services.
Education and health services (e.g., Google Classroom, Kids Helpline).

The list of excluded services has been specified in legislative rules by the Minister for Communications.

Online vs. Real-World Interactions

For many young people, online interactions can feel like a game and may not be perceived as having real-world consequences. However, interactions on social media platforms can have significant and lasting impacts on mental health, wellbeing, and personal reputation. The new laws are a response to these well-documented risks, aiming to provide a safer online environment for young Australians during a critical period of their development.

New Age Recommendations & Australian Regulations

As of December 10, 2025, it will be a legal requirement for 'age-restricted social media platforms' to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or holding an account.

The School's Position: In line with these new regulations, our school will enforce a strict policy: any app or service defined as an 'age-restricted social media platform' that requires users to be 16 years of age or older MUST NOT be installed or used on a BYOD device by students who have not reached this minimum age.
Responsibility: The onus is on the social media platforms to enforce the age restriction. However, it is a shared responsibility between parents, the school and students to understand and adhere to this policy. There are no penalties for a student or parent if an underage student has an account, but the platforms themselves will face significant fines for systemic breaches.

Recommended Resources for Parents and Students

We encourage all families to become familiar with the resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner of the Australian Government. The eSafety Guide provides specific information about the new regulations, as well as advice on games and other online services.