The biggest disrupter Gen Alpha has ever faced is about to hit Australian households: the social media ban.
To help families understand what’s changing and why, 7NEWS is launching a week-long special investigative series unpacking the Federal Government’s new rules, a shift expected to reshape daily life for millions of children and parents.
The series, 7NEWS Presents: Explaining the Social Media Ban, will run over six consecutive nights from Sunday at 6.00pm on Seven and 7plus. It aims to break down what the ban means, how it will work and what families need to do to prepare.
Seven describes the change as one of the most significant shifts to family life in a generation, following years of concerns about mental health impacts, cyberbullying, online safety risks, social pressure and academic disruption.
Coverage across Seven’s national news ecosystem
The series will run across the full breadth of Seven’s news platforms, including 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, 7NEWS.com.au, The West Australian and The Nightly.
The network says its focus is on providing clear explanations and practical guidance, including steps for securing devices, adjusting account settings and helping children navigate the transition.
Seven’s senior reporting team will lead the coverage, with contributions from Michael Usher, Chris Reason, Mark Riley, Jennifer Bechwati, Shaun White and Paul Kadak.
Voices from families, experts and critics
The investigations will feature interviews with parents pushing for reform, critics who believe the restrictions go too far, health and safety experts, policymakers and major tech players. The series will explore both the expected benefits and the logistical and emotional challenges of enforcing the ban.
A key element is a panel discussion moderated by 7NEWS Spotlight host Michael Usher, who sat down with 15 teenagers to hear directly how the ban may affect them.
‘We’re talking about rewiring daily lives’
Usher said the scale of the change required a full week of dedicated coverage.
“We’re talking about rewiring the daily lives of millions of kids and their parents. that’s why we’re dedicating an entire week to explaining what it means and how to prepare,” he said.
“As part of this investigation, I sat face-to-face with 15 teenagers who will be directly impacted by the ban. They were strong in their views and shared concerns about losing contact with friends, along with some surprising thoughts on how life could change for better and worse. They even offered me advice as a parent, and for all of us about how to navigate the next few weeks.”
Seven says Explaining the Social Media Ban is designed to give Australian families a clear, balanced and practical guide to the new rules regardless of whether they support the changes or fear their consequences.