Revealing widespread community concerns about the impact of social media on children, young people, and broader society, this survey report finds that 87 per cent of respondents support implementing age restrictions for social media use, with 16 being the most suggested minimum age. 

The survey, conducted between 11 August and 15 September 2024, engaged more than 21,000 participants from across the NSW through the ‘Have Your Say’ platform.

The survey highlights a clear correlation between time spent on social media and negative outcomes reported by parents. Parents whose children use social media for more than four hours a day were more than twice as likely to note negative impacts on their child's life, compared to parents whose children spend less than an hour a day online.

The most frequently mentioned issues include ‘cyber security risks’, ‘exposure to harmful content’, and ‘concerns over how social media usage is affecting children's behaviour’. Notably, parents of younger children who lack rules or safety measures often cited uncertainty about what to implement, signalling a need for more guidance and solutions.

The feedback gathered from this survey will shape and inform a summit and support the development of practical solutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, jointly hosted by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia in October 2024.