Today’s the day. Australia’s new Social Media Minimum Age Legislation kicks in—and families everywhere are feeling everything from relief to panic. In this special episode, Justin is interviewed by “Intrepid Reporter Kylie” in a reenactment of a newsroom conversation that never got to air.

You’ll hear what this ban actually means, how parents and teens are reacting, why the timing matters, and what families can do to keep kids connected, active, and thriving—without the algorithm pulling them in.

Short, practical, reassuring. A must-listen for every parent navigating summer holidays and a new digital reality.

KEY POINTS
Why parent reactions have been overwhelmingly positive
How teens really feel—and why some are secretly relieved
What the legislation does and doesn’t block
The truth about VPNs, fake IDs, and workarounds
Why school holiday timing may actually be perfect
How this ban affects connection, loneliness, and real-life friendships
What platforms are age-restricted vs. still accessible
Why messaging apps aren’t the same as social media
How Justin & Kylie navigated the changes with their own teen
The essential role parents still play (the ban doesn’t replace you!)

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“I’m not anti-screen. I’m pro living a full, balanced, whole, healthy life.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
eSafety Social Media Hub– full details on the new minimum age legislation
Platform list of age-restricted vs. permitted services
happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Talk early and often about the changes rather than enforcing them cold.
Shift the focus to real life: encourage outdoor time, friends over, hands-on activities.
Check your child’s accounts together and deactivate any that are now age-restricted.
Discuss messaging alternatives (not algorithm-driven).
Stay engaged—the ban reduces risk but doesn’t remove screen challenges.
Reassure your child that boredom is normal and survivable—and often the gateway to creativity.

Today&rsquo;s the day. Australia&rsquo;s new Social Media Minimum Age Legislation kicks in&mdash;and families everywhere are feeling everything from relief to panic. In this special episode, Justin is interviewed by &ldquo;Intrepid Reporter Kylie&rdquo; in a reenactment of a newsroom conversation that never got to air.
You&rsquo;ll hear what this ban actually means, how parents and teens are reacting, why the timing matters, and what families can do to keep kids connected, active, and thriving&mdash;without the algorithm pulling them in.
Short, practical, reassuring. A must-listen for every parent navigating summer holidays and a new digital reality.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why parent reactions have been overwhelmingly positive</li>
<li aria-level="1">How teens really feel&mdash;and why some are secretly relieved</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the legislation does and doesn&rsquo;t block</li>
<li aria-level="1">The truth about VPNs, fake IDs, and workarounds</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why school holiday timing may actually be perfect</li>
<li aria-level="1">How this ban affects connection, loneliness, and real-life friendships</li>
<li aria-level="1">What platforms are age-restricted vs. still accessible</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why messaging apps aren&rsquo;t the same as social media</li>
<li aria-level="1">How Justin &amp; Kylie navigated the changes with their own teen</li>
<li aria-level="1">The essential role parents still play (the ban doesn&rsquo;t replace you!)</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not anti-screen. I&rsquo;m pro living a full, balanced, whole, healthy life.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub">eSafety Social Media Hub </a>&ndash; full details on the new minimum age legislation</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/which-platforms-are-age-restricted">Platform list </a>of age-restricted vs. permitted services</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="happyfamilies.com.au">happyfamilies.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Talk early and often about the changes rather than enforcing them cold.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Shift the focus to real life: encourage outdoor time, friends over, hands-on activities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Check your child&rsquo;s accounts together and deactivate any that are now age-restricted.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Discuss messaging alternatives (not algorithm-driven).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay engaged&mdash;the ban reduces risk but doesn&rsquo;t remove screen challenges.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reassure your child that boredom is normal and survivable&mdash;and often the gateway to creativity.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Social Media Ban Starts Today — What Parents Need to Know

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c39c7595-b773-4c4b-afb2-b3a200d17893/transcript