A significant national study will commence next week to explore the effects of Australia’s upcoming social media ban on families. Spearheaded by Professor Kathryn Modecki, head of the developmental science of mental health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and a professor of psychological science at the University of Western Australia, the research aims to provide insights into the implications of this controversial policy.
The study will focus on parents of children aged nine to 15, measuring how the ban, set to begin on December 10, 2023, affects family dynamics and parenting practices. Participants will be randomly selected and invited via text message to complete a 15-minute online survey prior to the ban, with a follow-up survey planned approximately six months later.
“We’re really focused on what is happening in the family environment, family conflict, how parents are experiencing the ban, and how children are experiencing the ban,” Professor Modecki explained. This comprehensive approach will monitor families throughout the duration of the social media ban.
The initiative has garnered attention not only within Australia but also internationally, reflecting the global interest in how such policies affect societal structures. To strengthen the research, The Kids Research Institute is collaborating with the non-profit organization NORC at the University of Chicago and Edith Cowan University. This partnership will employ best-practice methods to ensure a representative sample, including individuals from rural and remote areas as well as diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
“We need the very best data to inform these massive policy decisions that are happening at scale,” Professor Modecki stated, underscoring the importance of comprehensive data collection in shaping future policies.
The study comes at a time when the issue of online safety is particularly pressing. With increasing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, improving parents’ digital literacy and fostering effective communication are critical components of the research. This sentiment resonates deeply with parents like Kate and Tick Everett, founders of the non-profit Dolly’s Dream, established after the tragic loss of their daughter, Dolly, in 2018.
The Everetts have utilized their experience to advocate for safer online environments for children. “We don’t want any other parents to go through what we’ve gone through,” Mr. Everett emphasized. Their organization partnered with The Kids Research Institute to develop the Beacon app in 2023, which provides parents with up-to-date, evidence-based resources on digital literacy and online safety.
As the social media ban approaches, the Everetts hope the app will serve as a valuable tool for parents seeking guidance. “We think it (the social media ban) is definitely a step in the right direction to protect our kids from the harms that can be online,” Mr. Everett remarked.
The Beacon app aims to empower parents to initiate conversations about online safety and data privacy at their own pace. “Our advice to parents would be, don’t think that you’re in this alone,” Ms. Everett stated. She noted that Dolly’s Dream has dedicated significant resources to support families, including a 24-hour helpline aimed at assisting those in rural and regional areas.
By helping parents navigate digital literacy and safety, the Everetts are finding purpose in their grief. “That in itself is a huge part of the healing journey,” Ms. Everett said, encouraging other parents to engage in open dialogue with their children. “Get that trust with your children. We all make mistakes, whether we’re six-years-old, or 16 or 60-years-old, but just be their friend so that they’re comfortable to come to you and you’re comfortable to go to them. Trust is the biggest thing,” Mr. Everett added.
For those interested in participating, parents and carers randomly selected for the study will receive a text invitation from 0480 026 313. For additional support, resources are available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
