The growing concern over the impact of social media on our young people cannot be overstated. Research consistently highlights that social media can negatively affect mental health, with significant numbers of young Australians feeling anxious when separated from their devices or pressured to be online during class. This is not just an academic concern; it is a pressing reality for many families across our State. The Minns Labor Government is committed to tackling these challenges. Last year we took a bold step by banning mobile phones in public schools, and the early results have been overwhelmingly positive. We have seen significant reductions in phone-related incidents, bullying and suspensions, as well as improvements in students' attendance and engagement. These results show that, when we take action to limit the negative impacts of technology, we create healthier, more focused learning environments for our children.
But our work does not stop there. We recognise that online safety is multifaceted, and that is why our Government, in collaboration with the South Australian Government, will be hosting the Social Media Summit. The summit will bring together key stakeholders to address the broader concerns about social media, including cyberbullying, misinformation and online safety. It is a crucial step towards developing a comprehensive public health response to the unique challenges these platforms pose. As the eSafety Commissioner has rightly highlighted, any effort to address online harm must be based on evidence and balance the benefits of digital engagement with the risks. That is why I strongly support the proposal to introduce age verification for social media use.
Our children are being exposed to harmful content far too early, and introducing a minimum age requirement is a necessary and practical step toward protecting them. Moreover, it is essential that social media companies take more responsibility for the algorithms they use and the content they promote. Too often these platforms amplify harmful material, contributing to mental health issues among users. The Federal Government's Safety by Design initiative is an excellent start, but it is time we move beyond voluntary measures. We must enforce industry standards that require these companies to prioritise users' safety over profit, ensuring that their platforms are designed with the wellbeing of young Australians in mind. I highlight that the Online Safety Act 2021 has provided us with a strong foundation to combat these issues.
The eSafety Commissioner has had remarkable success in removing harmful content and responding to online threats, but we must do more. The rapid advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence, has introduced new risks, such as AI-generated harmful content, and our regulatory framework must evolve accordingly. We are at a critical juncture. The world our children are growing up in is vastly different from the one we once knew. Our responsibility is to ensure that they can navigate the digital landscape safely. This requires a holistic approach, one that includes prevention through education, protection through rapid response to harm and systemic change that holds social media platforms accountable. The introduction of a minimum age for social media use is a significant step towards protecting our young people from the potential harms of digital platforms.
It is essential that we approach this issue with evidence-based strategies and a commitment to balancing benefits with risks. The Minns Labor Government is dedicated to ensuring a safer online environment for our children and upholding the values of responsibility and care that guide our work. I emphasise that this is about not only government regulation; it is also about engaging with the voices of those most affected by these issues, particularly our youth. The upcoming Social Media Summit will provide an important platform for these voices to be heard as we work together to create a safer digital future for all Australians.
