Hosted by Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara
Special guest: Lucy Thomas (CEO and Co-founder of PROJECT ROCKIT)
In this unmissable episode, we sit down with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack one of the most pressing and controversial issues impacting young Australians today — the proposed ban on social media for under 16s. From the role of youth voice to the complexities of digital culture, Lucy brings both clarity and compassion to a conversation that demands nuance.
If you're an educator, youth worker, policymaker or young person trying to navigate what this means for you, this episode is essential listening.
🎧 Listen now: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
💬 “Nothing about us without us” – Youth voice, ignored again?
Lucy reflects on PROJECT ROCKIT’s beginnings in 2006, sparked by the absence of student voice in anti-bullying initiatives. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the same problem persists — young people are being talked about, not with.
“It’s kind of sad, but 20 years later, it’s a déjà vu experience... this time it's politicians and parental lobbying groups deciding what young people need.”
The episode explores the dangers of bypassing youth participation, especially in policies that directly affect their lives. The social media ban is framed not just as a tech issue, but as a civic rights issue.
📱 What’s actually happening on December 10?
Lucy outlines the rushed path the Albanese government took from inquiry to policy. Despite a Senate report not recommending a ban, the government fast-tracked a restriction on platforms for under-16s, citing public sentiment rather than youth insight.
“89% of the Australian public supported the ban… but 80% admitted they didn’t understand what it involved.”
The group explores how fear and nostalgia shape adult perceptions of social media, often overlooking the complexity and real value it holds for young people, especially those experiencing marginalisation.
🤝 “Safe adults, not surveillance” – What young people need from us now
As the ban takes effect, Lucy urges adults not to moralise or panic, but instead to show up for young people with curiosity and care.
“Whether it’s news, community, identity or mental health support, social media is more than just entertainment… and removing it will create grief.”
Rather than viewing this as the end of a chapter, educators are encouraged to use this “delay” as a window to build digital literacy, resilience, and co-designed alternatives — not to retreat from the conversation.
🎓 Practical Strategies for Educators
1. Create Space for Grief and Dialogue
Acknowledge that for many students, this change may feel like a loss.
Validate their emotions and stay curious, not judgmental.
2. Teach Digital Citizenship, Not Just “Online Safety”
Help students build critical thinking, ethical online behaviour, and self-regulation — even in the absence of platforms.
3. Strengthen Offline Connection and Identity
Facilitate opportunities for identity-building and community offline, particularly for students who may lose vital online spaces.
4. Be a “Safe Adult”, Not a Surveillance System
Reassure students that the burden of compliance is on platforms, not on them. Let them know you're a safe person to talk to about what they’re experiencing.
🎧 Listen + Connect
Catch the episode here: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
Follow @podclass.aus on Instagram for updates and highlights.
Learn more about PROJECT ROCKIT: https://www.projectrockit.com.au/
#StudentVoice #DigitalWellbeing #YouthEmpowerment