The following can be attributed to headspace CEO Jason Trethowan:

The government’s legislation to ban social media for young people under the age of 16 reflects growing community sentiment that more must be done to protect young people from harm online.

While many will welcome age restrictions, young people may be feeling upset, worried or angry about what the change means for them.

While the restrictions underscore the importance of working with young people and family to build skills and supports for online safety, this is an enduring component of headspace’s work.

Regulation is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to making the online world a safer place.

In light of social media age restrictions, our support must also include resources for young people and family that help them navigate the changes, including unintended consequences that could disproportionately impact those young people who are more at risk of poor mental health.

For most young people, social media is an integral part of daily life. Social media provides young people with opportunities for connection and to have their voices heard and many young people also use social media to learn about and seek support for their mental health.

We know that young people who depend on being able to connect virtually with their sources of support may be particularly worried about what changes will mean for them, including young people who belong to marginalised communities and young people living in rural and remote Australia. All young people need continued access to safe sources of information, opportunities for connection and channels to seek support once restrictions take effect.

As a trusted source of support for young people and families, headspace is uniquely positioned to help young people and their families during this uncertain time, with resources around the changing laws as well as online safety more broadly.

Today headspace has launched online resource hubs for young people and families. These hubs contain preliminary information about the what the legislation entails, as well as some guidance for important conversations that young people can have with family and their peers, and advice for how young people and families can care for their mental health and wellbeing while navigating the change.

headspace resources are reviewed by young people and family to ensure they are useful and meaningful. headspace will continue to advocate for the inclusion of youth and family voices in the policy-making process.

What young people tell headspace is they want to be able to access social media safely and securely, without exposure to disturbing content, and with more control over what they see. They also want the social media providers to be responsible for this.

Young people also tell us they are facing a range of concerns that impact their mental health, of which social media is just one: the cost of living, uncertainty about the future and concern about the climate, to name a few.

There is no singular cause of mental ill-health, and the issues facing young people require the collective efforts of government, the health sector, business and the community.

By focusing too heavily on just one environment, we risk missing the opportunity to support young people with issues and challenges that can arise in a multitude of ways, both online and offline.