On this week’s episode of Let's Talk we're diving into a topic that will impact young people and any adults who love, work with, or educate them: We're talking about the incoming social media age restrictions, otherwise known as "the social media ban".

There's been a lot of discussion and even confusion about what these changes mean, why they're happening, and how they might affect the wellbeing of teens as they navigate a world increasingly shaped by online connection. Australia is leading the world in this space, and the whole world is watching.

Joining Yvie today is Danni Rowlands, the Director of Education Initiatives at Butterfly, who has spent nearly two decades working with young people, their families, sports clubs and schools. Danni brings a deep understanding of how digital environments shape identity, mental health, and the ways young people relate to their bodies. The ban was initiated, in part, because of the negative impact social media can have on their body image.

Danni will explain how body image, mental health, and online safety more broadly, is not only about the platforms or algorithms. It's about people, community, belonging, and the pressures young people face as they grow up in a world that is constantly asking them to compare, perform, and keep up.

More importantly, she'll share how adults can support the next generation through this major transition.

Resources:

• Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
• Chat online
• Tips around the social media ban for under 16s
• Find out more about BodyKind Online Education
• Find professional support for your teen's body image and eating 

Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here

Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here

Production Team:

• Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler
• Executive Producer: Camilla Becket
• Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation

For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.

If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.