Conversation Guide: The changes to social media access may take some time to adjust to.
The changes to social media access may take some time to adjust to. Talking openly about it can help you and your family prepare.
Parenting and youth mental health psychologist, Dr Marie Yap, suggests a few tips for parents for having constructive conversations about the new law:
1. Fact-check information
It’s easy for misinformation to spread. Make sure you have the right details about the social media changes and are clear on what is happening.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
What have you heard about the changes to social media account access for under-16s? What are your thoughts?
Where are you going for your information?
2. Be open, curious and sincere. The goal of the conversation is mutual understanding. Be open, curious and sincere when listening.
Keep the conversation going, avoid making quick judgments and get a deeper understanding of how your children are feeling.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
How do you feel about the new changes to social media access?
3. Acknowledge emotions. Pause and take a breath before responding.
Conversations may bring up intense feelings. Keep things calm and supportive by slowing down and taking time before responding.
Try to maintain a neutral speaking tone. Young people may feel pushed away if you sound skeptical or judgemental.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
Your thoughts and feelings are real and important. Can you tell me more about why you feel the way that you do?
4. Find a middle ground.
Different generations may have different expectations around parenting style or social media access and use. This difference can make the conversation more challenging. The key is to find a middle ground that works for everyone.
Agree as a family unit on how you will prepare for the change together and offer suggestions on how your children will stay connected with friends and family in other ways, like group activities, or through messaging apps or online games.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
Let’s find a solution that can help with how you are feeling. What are some ways we can prepare for the change together as a family?
Continue the conversation as the changes progress and visit eSafety.gov.au for more details and resources.
