The report presents research undertaken in the lead-up to the implementation of the Australian Government’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. The paper centres the voices of multicultural and newly arrived young people to examine how the proposed under-16 social media restriction intersects with settlement, belonging, education, wellbeing and access to information. 

It positions social media not only as a space of risk, but as a critical tool for connection and identity formation for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The report interrogates the policy assumptions underpinning the ban and assesses likely unintended consequences for equity, inclusion and service access.

Key findings

• Social media plays a vital role in supporting settlement, peer connection, language development and access to trusted information.
• Multicultural young people experience both heightened digital risks and unique digital benefits.
• Most young people do not believe the age-based ban will effectively address online harms.
• There has been limited consultation with young people and communities who will be most affected.
• Significant risks exist around exclusion, disengagement and loss of informal support networks.

Key recommendations

• Embed young people’s lived experience in the design and evaluation of these regulations.
• Invest in community led online safety education that supports technical understanding as well as how to engage in intergenerational dialogue around digital participation and safety.
• Strengthen transition planning and clarity for schools, families and services.