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Is The Social Media Ban Already Failing?

Is The Social Media Ban Already Failing?

Author: Dr Justin Coulson July 29, 2026 Duration: 15:23
Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
KidsKids & FamilyCultureFamilyParentingRelationshipsSocietySociety & Culture

Australia banned social media for under-16s. It hasn't stopped kids from using it.

New research shows most young people are still logging on, creating fake accounts and finding easy ways around age checks. Dr Justin Coulson explains why the law isn't delivering what parents hoped for and why families still have the biggest influence on their children's online lives.

Then the conversation turns to something far more hopeful.

Dutch children are the happiest in the world. It's not because Dutch parents have all the answers. Their families spend more time together. Their children have more independence. Their communities are built around connection. Justin and Kylie unpack what Australian parents can borrow, even if we can't recreate the Dutch system.

KEY POINTS

  • What the first research on Australia's social media ban found.
  • How children are getting around age verification.
  • Why parents still need to lead screen time at home.
  • The habits that help Dutch children report the highest levels of happiness.
  • Why friendships, family time and independence matter more than expensive programs.
  • Simple ways to create stronger community around your own family.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"The legislation can't do the parenting for us. We still have to do the job."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

  • Don't assume the social media ban is keeping your child off social media. Check in often.
  • Talk about social media regularly instead of waiting until something goes wrong.
  • Protect family time by working it into your weekly routine.
  • Help your child build friendships through school, sport and local activities.
  • Invite another family over, organise a neighbourhood catch-up or say yes to the next community event. Small connections build a stronger village.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Finding a clear path through the chaos of family life can feel overwhelming. Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families steps into that space with grounded, relatable conversations. Hosted by parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie, this podcast feels like a honest chat with friends who truly understand the daily grind. Together, they draw from their own life raising six daughters, offering a common-sense perspective that resonates with parents everywhere. The discussions move beyond theory, focusing on practical strategies you can apply immediately to navigate common challenges and strengthen your relationships at home. Each episode aims to cut through the noise of conflicting advice, providing thoughtful insights that address real-world situations with empathy and evidence-based wisdom. Tuning into this podcast is like finding a moment of calm reflection in a busy week, a resource for building a more connected and joyful family culture. It’s a place where the complexities of parenting, culture, and society are explored through the lens of everyday experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more manageable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
Podcast Episodes
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