Supporting Australia’s Young People Beyond the Social Media Restrictions

Why the Outdoors Must Be Part of the Solution

With the national social media restrictions for young people under 16 coming into effect on 10 December, Australia is stepping into new territory as the first country in the world to introduce this level of online restriction for minors. As the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has highlighted, this decision presents not only a challenge — but an opportunity.

At Outdoors NSW & ACT, we strongly support OCA’s call for government investment to ensure this major policy shift leads to healthier, more connected outcomes for young Australians.

A Turning Point for Youth Wellbeing

The OCA is right to point out a significant concern: removing social media without providing positive, accessible alternatives risks leaving young people without the tools they need to thrive.

Today, only 24% of Australians meet the recommended daily physical activity levels. Screen time has become the dominant default activity — often not by choice, but because the world around young people has changed faster than our support systems.

The social media ban disrupts that default. But disruption alone is not enough.

As OCA Chair Lori Modde shared, “Implementing a ban does not offer alternative behaviours.” Young people will need pathways, programs, mentors, and safe environments to help them reconnect with the world beyond the screen.

This is where our industry can lead.

Outdoor Experiences Are Not Optional — They Are Essential

The benefits of outdoor activity are unequivocal: improved physical health, reduced anxiety, stronger resilience, social development, and better learning outcomes. For young people, especially those in formative years, time outdoors is not just recreation — it’s foundational.

Outdoors NSW & ACT works with schools, outdoor education providers, adventure tourism operators, camps, youth organisations and local communities to deliver these experiences every day. But the demand is rising, and the sector must be strengthened so it can rise to the moment.

We echo OCA’s call for federal investment in:

• Scalable outdoor activity programs for young Australians

• Workforce development, ensuring trained leaders can safely guide outdoor experiences

• A national commitment to delivering 200,000+ student outdoor experiences by 2029

These measures aren’t just good policy — they are essential nation-building strategies that can future-proof youth wellbeing in the years ahead.

Navigating the Transition Together

We recognise there will be an adjustment period for many children and families as the social media ban takes effect. Some young people will feel disconnected or unsure about how to replace the online spaces they’ve grown accustomed to.

The outdoors offers a powerful solution.

Nature-based play, adventure activities, school camps, bushwalking, paddling, mountain biking, community events, and informal outdoor recreation all create opportunities for social connection, confidence-building and joy — elements often eroded by excessive screen time.

Our sector stands ready to support families, communities, and schools through this transition. But the reality is: we cannot meet this need at scale without coordinated national investment.

Standing With OCA for a Healthier Future

Outdoors NSW & ACT is proud to stand beside the Outdoor Council of Australia in advocating for stronger support for outdoor recreation and education. This policy moment is too important to leave to chance.

If we act now, Australia can turn the social media ban into a defining moment — one that reclaims childhood, revitalises community connection, and repositions the outdoors as a cornerstone of Australian life.

We are committed to working with government, OCA, our member organisations, and partners across the health and education sectors to ensure young people don’t just lose access to social media…but gain access to something far more meaningful.

A healthier, more active, more connected life.