Snapchat Launches Australian Teen Council to Enhance Digital Well-Being Initiatives

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August 25, 2025

Snapchat Forms Teen council as Australian Social Media Ban Looms

Sydney, Australia – Snapchat has announced the formation of an Australian Council for Digital wellbeing, comprised of eight teenagers, intended to advise the company on improving the online experience for young people. This initiative arrives as a new Australian law set to restrict social media access for individuals under 16 years of age approaches implementation.

The New Advisory Council

Snap Inc. revealed the Council’s creation in February, with applications accepted nationwide. The program, slated to run for 18 months, mirrors similar councils already established in the United States.Ryan Ferguson, Managing director for Snap Inc. in Australia and New Zealand, stated the company values the viewpoint of teenagers, recognizing them as experts in the digital landscape. He expressed enthusiasm for the group’s potential to contribute to a more positive online surroundings.

Implications of the Australian Ban

However, the timing of this announcement is intricate by the impending Australian legislation. Scheduled to take effect on December 10th, the law will substantially limit social media access for those under 16. Critics suggest the council’s lifespan may be curtailed by the new regulations, perhaps rendering it ineffective before it has a chance to fully impact policy. Some view the council as a public relations effort by Snapchat, aiming to mitigate criticism surrounding the impending ban.

Teen Voices on Digital Wellbeing

Charlotte C., a member of the council from regional Victoria, emphasized the importance of teen input in shaping online spaces. She believes that teenagers should have a voice in discussions about digital safety and wellbeing,given their extensive use of these platforms for communication and support. According to Snapchat, the platform is utilized by over 8 million Australians monthly, primarily for connecting with family and friends, also fostering stronger relationships.

Snapchat’s Safety Features

Snapchat has implemented features like Family Center, which allows parents to monitor their children’s interactions on the platform – a feature also available on Instagram and TikTok, but not on YouTube. Despite these efforts, the upcoming legislation casts a shadow over the initiative.

One parent shared that their child now relies on Snapchat as a primary means of communication, highlighting the challenges the ban will create for social connections. The shift in communication habits underscores the need for alternative solutions as the digital landscape evolves.

Platform	Parental Control Features
Snapchat	Family Centre (communication monitoring)
Instagram	Family Centre (supervision tools)
tiktok	Family Pairing (screen time management)
YouTube	Restricted Mode (content filtering)

Did You Know? Australia’s social media ban is intended to protect children from cyberbullying,harmful content,and privacy risks.

Pro Tip: Parents should proactively discuss online safety with their children, regardless of platform restrictions.

The Evolving Landscape of Social Media and Youth

The debate surrounding youth access to social media is ongoing worldwide. Concerns about mental health, body image, and online safety continue to fuel discussions about regulation and platform responsibility. Research from the Pew Research Center indicates a growing number of parents express worry regarding their children’s social media use.Understanding the nuanced impact of these platforms is crucial for creating a healthier digital future for young people. the discussion extends beyond legislation and encompasses education, parental guidance, and platform design.

Frequently Asked Questions about snapchat and the Australian Ban

• What is Snapchat’s new Australian council for Digital Wellbeing? It is a group of eight teenagers advising Snapchat on creating a better online experience for young users.
• What is the Australian social media ban? The law restricts access to social media platforms for individuals under 16 years old.
• When does the Australian social media ban come into effect? The ban is scheduled to take effect on December 10th.
• Does Snapchat have parental control features? Yes,Snapchat offers Family Centre,allowing parents to monitor their child’s interactions.
• Will the new ban impact Snapchat’s teen advisory council? The council’s effectiveness may be limited by the ban’s restrictions.
• What are the main concerns driving the Australian social media ban? Concerns include cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and privacy risks for young users.
• What can parents do to ensure their children’s safety online? Proactive communication, education about online risks, and utilizing available platform features are crucial.

What are your thoughts on the Australian social media ban? Do you believe it will effectively protect young people, or will it simply drive them to less regulated platforms? share your perspective in the comments below!

## Summary of the Snapchat teen Council & Online Safety Initiatives

Snapchat has announced the formation of a dedicated Australian Teen council, a meaningful step in bolstering its commitment to digital well-being and online safety for young users. Launched on August 25th, 2025, this initiative aims to directly incorporate the perspectives of Australian teenagers into the platform’s safety strategies and feature progress. This move responds to growing concerns surrounding teen mental health, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on young Australians.

Understanding the Need for a Teen Council

The creation of the council isn’t happening in a vacuum. Increased scrutiny of social media’s impact on youth and a rise in reported cases of online harassment have prompted platforms like Snapchat to proactively seek solutions. Australia, like manny nations, is grappling with the complexities of digital citizenship and the need to equip young people with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Recent studies by the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlight a correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression in teenagers.

The eSafety commissioner’s office reports a consistent rise in complaints related to cyberbullying and image-based abuse targeting young Australians.

Parental concerns regarding screen time and digital addiction are also driving the demand for safer online environments.

Council Structure and Responsibilities

The Snapchat Australian Teen Council comprises 15 diverse teenagers aged 13-17, selected from across Australia. The selection process prioritized representation across geographic locations, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. council members will serve a one-year term, meeting regularly with Snapchat’s safety teams to:

1. Provide feedback on Safety Features: Evaluate existing and proposed Snapchat safety tools and offer insights into their usability and effectiveness. This includes features like Friendship Goals, Between Our Snaps, and reporting mechanisms.
2. Identify Emerging Trends: Alert Snapchat to new forms of online risk and harmful content circulating among Australian teens, including challenges, slang, and emerging platforms.
3. Contribute to Educational Resources: Help develop digital literacy resources and safety guides tailored to the specific needs of Australian teenagers.
4. Advise on Policy Development: Offer input on Snapchat’s community guidelines and content moderation policies to ensure they are relevant and effective in protecting young users.
5. Promote Positive Online Behavior: Champion responsible social media use and digital well-being within their peer groups and communities.

Snapchat’s Existing Digital Well-being Tools

This Teen Council builds upon Snapchat’s existing suite of digital well-being features, demonstrating a layered approach to online safety. Key features include:

Friendship Goals: Encourages positive interactions and strengthens relationships between friends.

Between Our Snaps: Provides access to resources from mental health organizations directly within the app.

Reporting Tools: Allows users to easily report inappropriate content and harmful behaviour.

Privacy Settings: Offers granular control over who can view a user’s content and contact them.

Snap Map Safety Features: Allows users to control their location sharing and visibility on the snap Map.

Parental Control Features: Through Family Center, parents can monitor their teen’s activity and manage their account settings.

The Role of the eSafety Commissioner

The launch of the Teen Council aligns with the work of the Australian eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. The Commissioner’s office plays a crucial role in regulating online safety and providing resources for Australians. Snapchat has been actively collaborating with the eSafety Commissioner to ensure its platform complies with Australian laws and regulations related to child safety and online abuse. The Teen Council is seen as a complementary initiative, providing a direct line of communication with the user base.

Benefits of a Teen-Led Approach

Incorporating the voices of teenagers directly into the development of safety initiatives offers several key benefits:

Increased Relevance: Teenagers are best positioned to understand the nuances of online culture and the challenges they face.

early Detection of Risks: They can identify emerging threats and trends before they escalate.

Improved Feature Usability: Their feedback can help ensure that safety tools are user-kind and effective.

Enhanced Trust: Demonstrates a genuine commitment to teen safety and builds trust with users.

Empowerment of Youth: Gives teenagers a platform to advocate for their own digital well-being.

practical Tips for Parents and Teens

While Snapchat’s initiatives are crucial, online safety is a shared obligation. Here are some practical tips for parents and teenagers:

For Parents:

Open Communication: Talk to your teen about their online activities and the risks they may encounter.

Privacy Settings: Help your teen understand and configure their privacy settings on Snapchat and other platforms.

Monitor Activity (Respectfully): Utilize Snapchat’s Family Center to monitor activity and set boundaries.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest online trends and safety threats.

For Teens:

Think Before You Share: Be mindful of the content you post and the information you share online.

Protect Your Privacy: Limit who can see your content and contact you.

Report harmful Behaviour: Report cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and other harmful behaviour to Snapchat and the eSafety Commissioner.

Take Breaks: Disconnect from social media regularly to prioritize your mental health.

Seek Help: If you are experiencing online harassment or feeling overwhelmed,reach out to a trusted adult or a mental health organization.

Case Study: Snapchat’s Response to Risky Challenges

In late 2023, Snapchat proactively addressed a dangerous online challenge circulating on its platform. After being alerted by users and safety experts, Snapchat quickly removed content related to the challenge, issued warnings to users, and worked with law enforcement to investigate the situation. This demonstrated the platform’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats and protect its users. The Teen Council is intended to further enhance this rapid response capability by providing early warnings about such challenges.

resources for Digital Well-being

eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/

* Snapchat Safety Center: https://www.snapchat.com/safety