social media ban Support

Help for Sunshine Coast Families Navigating the Under-16 Social Media Ban

Why these sessions exist.

From 10 December, the under-16 social media delay will reshape the daily lives of thousands of young people across Australia.
And while it isn’t a “ban”, more of a "delay" in the strictest sense, most families will still feel the ripple effects for those caught in the transition— emotionally, socially, and behaviourally.

As parents, we know this transition won’t be as simple as taking an app away. Social media has been meeting real psychological needs:
connection, identity cues, creativity, entertainment, sensory regulation, structure, reward, and more.

Removing something that serves so many functions doesn’t just leave a gap — it leaves a void. And voids need healthy replacements, not chaos or conflict.

That’s why we created two practical, supportive sessions — one for parents and one for teens — designed to help families move through this shift with insight, calm, and real-world tools.

Two Courses. One Purpose: A smoother transition for everyone.

1) Parent Information Session (1 hour)

A short, practical, evidence-informed session that helps parents understand:

• What the social media delay actually means

• What social media has been giving kids psychologically (connection, identity, dopamine, regulation, creativity, rituals, achievement…)

• Why removing it may trigger emotional or behavioural changes

• How to bridge the gap with healthier, real-world alternatives

• A take-home Bridge Matrix to complete with your teen (11 categories, low/medium/high-intensity options)

You’ll walk away with clarity, empathy, and a plan — not confusion or conflict.

2) Teen Workshop (2 hours)

A hands-on, screen-free, confidence-building workshop that helps teens:

• Understand how social media affects their brain (dopamine, attention, emotional regulation, comparison loops)

• Learn how to take back their attention, mood, and creativity

• Rebuild lost rituals and rewards in healthier ways

• Experience real connection through group games and challenges

• Explore focus, flow state and identity without a screen

• Discover fun ways to feel calm, energised, and socially engaged

It’s practical, fun, and empowering — not preachy. Teens walk out surprised by how good it feels to have control back.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Help us determine locations, numbers, and scheduling.

Please select which sessions you’re interested in:

• Parent Session

• Teen Workshop

• Both

Your EOI helps us:

• Identify the best suburbs and venues

• Gauge group size

• Prioritise high-demand areas

• Inform our community funding applications

• Notify you of dates before public release

No commitment or payment required at this stage.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Who We Are

Marisa Netherwood

Clinical hypnotherapist | Stress & mindset specialist | Course & Newsletter creator Founder — Your Mind Redesigned
Parent to a 14-year-old navigating the ban

Adv. Clinical Hypnotherapist | Yoga & Meditation Teacher | Creator of stress-management programs | Founder - Blue Butterfly Hypnotherapy
Parent to a tween directly affected by the ban

Elleen Berger

Our Mission

To support young people through this transition with:

• less conflict

• less overwhelm

• more confidence

• more real-world resilience

And to empower families with the tools they need to adapt well — not just cope.

FAQ

Is this a political event?

No. We simply want families to have support, clarity, and tools during a mandated transition.

Will there be costs?

Is this only for Sunshine Coast families?

Our goal is to keep all sessions as low-cost as possible, which is why we are seeking government and community support. Your EOI helps us secure that support.

We are starting locally and expanding based on demand.

Can schools or community groups request sessions?

Yes — we welcome enquiries from P&Cs, youth groups, councils, schools, and community organisations.

Parents & Caregivers

• Those anticipating emotional or behavioural changes as their child adapts to reduced access to social media.

• Parents who want clarity, not confusion, about what the delay actually means.

• Caregivers seeking practical, psychologically-grounded tools to support their teen without conflict.

• Busy families who want simple, realistic strategies that fit into daily life.

• Anyone wanting to understand the deeper needs social media was meeting — and how to replace them in healthier ways.

• Parents who value structure, empathy, and evidence-based guidance over fear-based messaging.

Who These Sessions Are For

Teen Participants

• Young people who want to understand their own brain better — attention, focus, dopamine, mood, intuition.

• Teens who feel overwhelmed, restless, or “disconnected without the scroll.”

• Kids curious about building real-world confidence, creativity, and self-regulation.

• Students who benefit from hands-on learning, group activities, and actionable tools they can use immediately.

• Teens ready for a reset, a fresh start, or a chance to build healthier habits without feeling lectured.

Schools, Community Groups & Youth Organisations

• Teachers and support staff wanting proactive tools to help students transition smoothly.

• Community programs looking to support youth mental health and resilience.

• Councils and local organisations interested in reducing conflict at home and improving teen wellbeing.