ARACY opposes banning social media for under-16s, instead advocating evidence-based, inclusive approaches that protect young people, uphold their rights, and support connection, creativity, mental health, and community—especially for vulnerable youth.
Why It Matters:
Social media is central to young people’s lives. A ban risks isolation, removes protective platforms, and oversimplifies the causes of youth mental health challenges.
Key Points:
Youth Voice: Policies must actively involve young people to ensure solutions meet their needs.
Mental Health: Social media can support wellbeing, particularly for LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and regional youth.
Evidence-Based Approaches: Age-based bans lack proven benefits; safeguards and education are more effective.
Avoiding Harm: Restricting access may push youth to unsafe spaces and remove critical supports.
Read the full submission to explore ARACY’s recommendations for balanced, evidence-informed social media policy that protects and empowers young Australians.
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ARACY’s 2026–27 Budget Submission amplifies young people’s voices, urging the Australian Government to embed child and youth wellbeing across education, health, justice and social policy through nationally coordinated, prevention-focused reform.
ARACY’s youth justice submission outlines evidence-based recommendations for Federal, State and Territory Governments, that reframe youth justice as a child wellbeing issue and call for trauma-informed, prevention-focused, nationally coordinated reform.
With six connected areas, The Nest ensures young Australians have everything they need for the best start in life, helping them reach their highest potential.
Using The Nest, has helped ARACY to be at the forefront of disease prevention and the promotion of holistic health for young Australians.
Here you’ll see some examples of how The Nest has been used in organisations outside of ARACY across Australia.
