MEDIA RELEASE
September 10, 2024

Young Australians will only receive adequate protection from social media harms if the minimum age is set at 16 or higher, Australia’s only national organisation for eating disorder families says.

While welcoming the Federal Government’s decision to legislate a minimum age for social media access, Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) Executive Director Jane Rowan urged the government not to squander a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young Australians.

“EDFA has consistently called for a minimum age of 16 or above as we recognise social media poses danger to our children that is arguably greater than alcohol, smoking, or gambling. We ask that it be treated in the same way and will continue to push for maximum protections,” Ms Rowan said.

An EDFA survey conducted in October last year showed 81% of the organisation’s carers believed that social media had contributed to the development of their loved one’s eating disorder or had hampered their recovery.

“Raising the age limit to a minimum of 16 is about harm minimisation. Like alcohol, there will always be those who abuse these laws, but this will help to limit the damage. It will also enable parents to say to their children ‘Sorry, you can’t have SnapChat/Instagram/TikTok because it is illegal’,” Ms Rowan said.

She said many parents just wanted to see their children get through school without the negative impact of social media and have the chance to develop the critical thinking skills they need to safely navigate social media before gaining access.

EDFA will continue to call for:

1. Raising the age limit for access to social media to at least 16;
2. Introducing effective age verification measures;
3. More education for parents about the harms and how to best protect their children; and
4. Education and resources for our young people (similar to drug and alcohol education that is provided in schools).

Mum and EDFA carer Mia Bannister said she strongly supported the government’s announcement but called for the highest possible age limit to be set.

“As a mother who has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of social pressures on children, I strongly support the government’s decision to legislate a minimum age for social media use,” Ms Bannister said.

“Through the Let Them be Kids campaign, I shared my journey about the devastating loss of my son, Ollie, hoping to protect other children from the harmful influences that can fuel mental health challenges. While an age limit of 16 would be good, 18 would be better.”

Ms Bannister’s 14-year-old son, Oliver, took his own life in January after experiencing body
dysmorphia due to social media exposure followed by an Anorexia Nervosa diagnosis.

EDFA is the only national organisation providing support, education, advocacy and counselling services solely to carers and families of those living with an eating disorder.

Established in 2016, EDFA currently has more than 3,000 members and has helped hundreds of carers and families over the years.

For further information, contact EDFA Executive Director Jane Rowan on 0408 780 292 or jane.rowan@edfa.org.au.
Ms Bannister and other carers are also available for interview.