eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is encouraging First Nations families to visit eSafety.gov.au to access tailored resources designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers stay well connected when the social media minimum age takes effect from 10 December.
Co-designed with First Nations communities, the resources explain what is changing, why it matters and how to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through the transition.
The First Nations social media minimum age restrictions resource package includes:
• First Nations parent and carer yarning guide
• First Nations student workbook
• First Nations Communities digital toolkit
eSafety is also running an extensive series of live webinars to answer parents' questions throughout December and in the new year. These are also available on-demand at eSafety.gov.au.
"This is a delay - not a ban - giving First Nations young people time and space for real-life connection with friends, family, culture and country," eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
"Our tailored resources have been designed to support First Nations parents, carers and young people as they prepare for the changes that are coming on 10 December. Our student workbook in particular can be used by First Nations young people in their yarning circle, to keep these important community conversations going."
Ms Inman Grant encouraged First Nations young people to also take a look at the recently released Safer Together! and Leaving Deadly Digital Footprints! - online safety guides for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their carers.
Co-designed with First Nations kids, parents, and carers, the guides use storytelling, case studies and interactive activities to help kids learn safe and positive online behaviours.
"We want First Nations young people to make this delay a positive opportunity to build digital literacy, critical thinking and emotional resilience in the years and months before they turn 16 and are allowed to have a social media account," Ms Inman Grant said.
"Unfortunately, First Nations people are more likely to be exposed to a range of online harms, including hate speech, discrimination, and bullying.
"That is why I strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, carers and young people to visit esafety.gov.au and download our resources for help and support," Ms Inman Grant said.
