NSW Premier Chris Minns reveals why he worries about how social media affects Aussie kids

Social media sites are built to hook our kids into an addictive cycle of scrolling, even if it makes them sadder, more insecure and more isolated, writes NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Premier for NSW, Chris Minns, explains why the NSW and SA governments will be hosting a social media summit. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Almost a year ago, New South Wales banned the use of mobile phones in public schools.

When this decision was first announced, we expected a backlash, not least from some of our students, who had only ever known a life connected to their phones.

But twelve months on, it’s now clear this experiment has been a huge success.

Without these distractions in their pockets, students have been able to focus on their learning, while building stronger relationships with their classmates.

Since we implemented this ban, schools have seen an increase in attendance, a reduction in bullying and suspensions, with a noticeable return to physical activity and sport in the playground.

NSW Premier Chris Minns. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Kids are more present in the classroom, they’re actively connecting with their friends at lunchtime, and it’s making them happier and more productive.

Just yesterday, I was talking to students at East Hills High School, who told me how much closer their year group had grown since phones were taken out of the equation.

With this in mind, I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision yesterday to introduce minimum age rules for social media sites.

Like all parents, I worry about the harm these websites are having on our kids.

As whistleblowers from these companies have made clear, social media sites are not designed with our children’s health and wellbeing in mind.

Instead, they’re built to hook our kids into an addictive cycle of scrolling, even if it makes them sadder, more insecure and more isolated.

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In fact, research has found that kids who spent more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience poor mental health, including depression and anxiety.

Studies have also found a link between social media use, stress and sleep deprivation. And that’s before we get to the issues cyber bulling and youth body image.

These are big questions – which we can’t outsource to the billionaire owners of big tech.

Which is why, next month, the NSW Government and the South Australian Government will be hosting a social media summit to address the impact these platforms are having on children and young people.

The summit will bring together youth leaders, parents and experts, as well as representatives from leading social media sites.

It will examine the latest evidence and develop a response to our genuine concerns about mental health and childhood happiness.

I know that parents are already dealing with these questions in their own way, within their own homes. But it’s much harder to tackle this issue as a household than as a community.

If one child is barred from social media, they might feel left out and alone. But if there’s a statewide standard, it becomes easier for everyone to manage and regulate.

Of course, there are many upsides to digital life, which we need to consider and preserve.

My hope is that this summit will offer a practical way forward, so young people can still enjoy the benefits of technology, while still living full and happy lives outside their screens.