Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote, is calling on local residents to voice their concerns about social media’s impact on young people, following a successful Heathcote Social Media Forum held earlier this week.

The forum, held on Monday 16 September, brought together parents, educators, and an expert panel to address pressing issues such as cyberbullying, mental health, and the lack of regulation around digital platforms. While social media offers many benefits, participants expressed deep concern over the risks it poses to youth, especially in areas related to mental health and online safety.

As the NSW and SA Social Media Summit approaches, Ms Stuart emphasised the importance of including the Heathcote community’s input when shaping future policies. Residents are being asked to complete a survey that will inform a formal submission to Premier Chris Minns, addressing issues like setting a minimum age for social media use and holding tech companies accountable for harmful content.

The survey is now open to all Heathcote residents and can be accessed online. Feedback from the community will be vital in shaping strong, evidence-based policies at the Social Media Summit.

For more information or to complete the survey, visit Ms Stuart’s website or contact the Heathcote electorate office at 02 9548 0144 or [email protected]

Quotes Attributable to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote :

“My recent Social Media Forum highlighted the deep concern that parents in Heathcote and leading experts have about the unregulated online world their children are navigating. They want more safeguards in place to protect their kids from the harmful effects of social media.”

“As we prepare for the upcoming NSW Social Media Summit, it’s crucial that local communities’ experiences and concerns are part of the conversation. This survey will help us prepare a submission to Premier Chris Minns and ensure that we’re pushing for policies that make a real difference.”

“This is a chance for every resident to have their voice heard. We need your input to shape solutions that prioritise the mental health and safety of our young people. Together, we can create a safer online environment for young people in our community.”