When Year 6 student Flossie began researching the effects of social media on young people, she wasn’t looking to start a movement. What began as a school exhibition project has turned into a conversation that’s reached all the way to the Prime Minister’s office.
For her project, Flossie explored how social media use affects children’s brains and emotional wellbeing. She spoke with neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski from the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania and child psychologist Cassie Xintavalonis, who helped her unpack what happens when developing brains are exposed to the constant feedback loops of online platforms.
Her research led her to design a pledge—one that encourages children under 16 to delay joining social media. Anyone visiting her exhibition could sign it, promising to stay off platforms until they reached the legal age set by the new restrictions.
Speaking with journalist Clare Armstrong, Flossie explained her motivation with characteristic honesty. “I’ve always been super interested in how the brain works,” she said. “I’ve never been allowed social media, and I wanted to see if the science actually backed up my parents’ reasoning.” The result? “They were right, as much as I hate to say it,” she admitted with a grin.
Her curiosity and initiative caught the attention of policymakers. She was invited to present her findings to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Anika Wells, with Dr Landowski in attendance. The meeting came just weeks before Australia’s new social media minimum age laws are set to take effect, banning users under 16 from joining major platforms.
During the conversation, Albanese praised Flossie’s approach and the broader public debate that has surrounded the policy. “This isn’t a debate that comes from the top down,” he said. “It’s come from parents, and tragically from some who have lost their sons and daughters. The community demanded an appropriate government response.”
The new rules, expected to be enforced from December 10, will require social media companies to remove underage users. Albanese said platforms are in discussions with the government and the eSafety Commissioner, who will oversee compliance. He emphasised that parents would have access to information kits and school-based support to help manage the change at home.
While the Prime Minister acknowledged that implementation might not be flawless, he likened the transition to other social reforms that took time to gain full compliance. “You don’t have a perfect outcome from a ban on under-18s buying alcohol,” he said. “Over time, people voluntarily comply because they understand it’s for the common good.”
Enforcement, however, will rest on the eSafety Commissioner’s office. Asked how quickly fines might be issued to non-compliant tech companies, Albanese said the commissioner would act independently but made clear that the expectation was full cooperation. “We want social media companies to do their best to comply with the law,” he said.
For her part, Flossie seems more focused on education than punishment. She’s aware that some of her peers may try to bypass the ban, but she’s hopeful that knowledge will make a difference. “I think they’re probably going to try find a way around it,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as they think. And I just don’t think they should do it. They should be educated on the impacts that social media actually has on them.”
Her reasoning reflects a growing awareness among young people themselves—that online connection often comes at a cost. Researchers like Dr Landowski have long warned that heavy social media use can heighten anxiety, distort body image, and affect concentration in adolescents whose brains are still developing.
For many parents, though, the government’s new approach will come with challenges of its own. With summer approaching, households may face tense conversations around access, identity, and peer pressure. Albanese said he was confident parents would have the support they need. “This isn’t government lecturing the community,” he said. “This is the community demanding social responsibility.”
Australia’s age-based social media restrictions are the first of their kind among major Western democracies. Other nations, including the UK and parts of the EU, are watching closely to see how effective the model proves—and whether enforcement against global platforms can realistically succeed.
Asked whether he was concerned that other governments might hesitate to follow suit if Australia struggles to enforce its ban, Albanese was upbeat. “I’m confident this will be successful,” he said. “People like Flossie give me not just confidence, but pride.”
For Flossie, the project has already achieved more than she imagined. What began as a way to test her parents’ rules has evolved into a public pledge that’s shaping national conversation. Whether or not all her classmates stay off social media until 16, she’s proud to have sparked a discussion that reaches beyond her school gates.
And while she may still be years away from downloading her first app, Flossie’s research—and her conviction—have already placed her among the voices helping define Australia’s next step in online safety.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
