Deputy Principal's News 2026 Term 1 Week 8
By Sue O'Connor, Deputy Principal
Social Media, Responsibility and the Power of Integrity
In recent weeks, our college community has been navigating a challenging situation involving the misuse of social media. This has prompted important conversations about responsibility, the law, and the role we all play, students, parents, and staff, in ensuring a safe and respectful online environment.
Many of our young people are active on platforms such as TikTok and others. While these platforms can be creative and engaging, they also come with significant responsibilities and, importantly, legal implications.
It is also important to remind families of recent changes to Australian law regarding social media use. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, there is now a minimum age of 16 for holding accounts on many social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
From 10 December 2025, these platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts. The responsibility sits with the companies, but the expectation is clear: students under 16 should not be using these platforms.
This change is designed to protect young people by giving them more time to develop the skills needed to navigate online spaces safely, and it reinforces the importance of families actively monitoring their child’s online activity.
In Australia, there are also clear laws around online behaviour. It is illegal to use digital platforms to harass, threaten, impersonate, or harm others. Creating and sharing content, especially manipulated or AI generated material, that targets individuals can fall under cyberbullying, defamation, or even image based abuse laws. Even commenting on, following, or sharing harmful content contributes to its spread and may have consequences.
The recent incident involving AI generated videos and a ‘BDC Memes’ account is a strong reminder of how quickly online actions can escalate. While it may have started as a joke, the impact on individuals and the wider community is real. It is also important to recognise that without access to social media platforms, students would not be placed in situations where such poor decisions can occur or be amplified so widely.
This is where parents and caregivers play a vital role. Monitoring your child’s online activity, having open conversations about digital behaviour, and understanding the platforms they use are essential. Setting clear expectations at home that align with legal requirements helps young people make better choices.
We strongly encourage families to engage with the excellent resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner. Their website offers practical advice on:
- Setting up parental controls
- Understanding social media risks
- Responding to cyberbullying
- Reporting harmful content
You can explore these resources here:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/cyberbullying
https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
Despite the seriousness of this situation, there is a powerful positive we want to acknowledge. It was our students who brought this matter to our attention. This speaks volumes about the strength of character within our community. When faced with something that did not sit right, they chose to act with integrity.
We are incredibly proud that integrity prevailed. This is the standard we strive for at BDC, young people who not only know what is right, but who are willing to stand up and act on it.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students to navigate both the online and offline world with respect, responsibility, and courage.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.