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A mother's heart breaking story of love, loss, and the son Hamas stole from her, David Sharaz is now barred from the National Press Club. Plus, the single mum who beat the eSafety Commissioner in court now faces her baby girl's devastating diagnosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia led the way, now the UK government has announced its own ban on social media for under 16s. But six months since the restrictions came into force here, are they really working, given most young teenagers who were using social media still are? Today, Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University on what we need to do to help our children be safe online. Featured: Professor Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, an academic advisor to the eSafety Commissioner and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University
In this episode of the Future Learners podcast, Brett Campbell (CEO and co-founder of Euka) and Ellen Brown (Founder and Head of Education) tackle the single most googled question they see from Australian parents every May, June and July. Can you start homeschooling in the middle of the school year? The short answer is yes, and often, the middle of the year is the smartest time to switch. Brett and Ellen walk through the seven things every parent needs to know before making a mid-year move. They cover registration timelines, what to do if your child is being bullied right now, families who are pulling kids out to travel Australia or overseas for the rest of the year, students refusing to walk through the school gate, and whether your Year 11 or Year 12 student can still finish strong with a university pathway intact. If you have been telling yourself you will “wait until next year”, this is the conversation that will help you decide whether next term, or next week, is the better answer. Key Points What the data tells us Mid-year enrolments are not the exception, they are the norm. Families join Euka every single day of the year, not only in January. 1 in 3 students now come to Euka because of bullying, up from 1 in 5 five years ago (Euka enrolment data 2021 to 2026, shared on the Today Show by Ellen Brown in April 2026). The eSafety Commissioner has reported a 37 per cent increase in actionable cyberbullying complaints from young people in the past year. Around 30 per cent of families who come to Euka mid-year do so intending to use homeschooling as a bridge, not a forever choice. Why mid-year is often a smart time to switch State education department home education units are far less swamped in May, June and July than they are in January and February. Approvals tend to come back faster outside the start-of-year peak. Your child can start at any week or term in the curriculum, in parallel with their school timeline, or by going back to the lesson where they last felt confident. Euka’s flexible learning model means you do not need to wait for a “fresh start” date that is months away to give your child a calmer week. When this episode matters for your family Your child is being bullied, and the school’s response so far has not changed it. Your child is refusing or resisting going to school, and mornings have become a battle. You are travelling for the rest of the year, around Australia or overseas, and the school calendar no longer fits. A life situation has shifted, and the 9 to 3 calendar is no longer workable. The Year 11 or 12 timetable is breaking your student, and you have been told “they cannot leave now”. You have been thinking about homeschooling for a while, and you are tired of waiting for January. The Single Most Asked Question We Hear Every May, June and July Every year, the same question lands in the Euka inbox in waves. Some version of “is it too late to start now?”, or “can I switch in the middle of the year?”, or “do I have to wait until Term 1 next year?”. The answer has not changed, and it is short. No, it is not too late. Yes, you can switch right now. You do not have to wait. What has changed is the number of families asking, and the range of reasons. Bullying is the biggest single trigger, but the same conversation comes from families heading off to travel for the rest of the year, parents whose child has stopped getting in the car for school, and senior students whose Year 11 or 12 timetable has stopped working. “You do not have to wait for January. Often, the next term is too late. The decision to remove a child from a situation that is hurting them is not a decision that should sit on a shelf.”— Ellen Brown, Founder and Head of Education, Euka 7 Things to Know Before You Switch Mid-Year This is the spine of the episode, structured as a journey from the first moment of doubt, to the decision, to the first day at home. 1. You can start any day of the year There is no enrolment cliff at the end of January. The Euka program is built so that a student can begin at any lesson, in any week, in any term. If your child is in the middle of Term 2 at school, they can pick up at the equivalent point in the Euka curriculum, or go back to where they last felt on top of the work and rebuild from there. 2. Mid-year is actually a faster registration window State home education units process the bulk of their applications between November and February. By the middle of the year, the queue is shorter and the wait times are better. If you are looking at homeschooling in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria or any other state, mid-year is the calmer side of their admin calendar. 3. You do not need the school principal’s permission This is the line Ellen comes back to most often. Parents have the legal authority to remove their child from a school and educate them at home. You notify the principal, you do not ask permission. If your child’s safety is at immediate risk, you can remove them straight away while the formal registration is being processed. A medical or psychologist certificate can support that step. 4. Your child will not fall behind, and the “gap” often helps Euka delivers the same state-based curriculum as your child’s school, mapped to the Australian Curriculum and the relevant state syllabus. Lessons are designed to be picked up at any point. There is a thing Ellen calls “the gap” that matters here. When a child is in a stressful situation at school, the stress snowballs and the schoolwork in front of them stops going in. They are already falling behind, even while they are sitting in the classroom. Taking them out of that environment, even briefly, gives them the space to reset and regain composure. You are a product of your environment, and changing the environment changes the outcome. Many families find their child actually moves ahead once the day is built around how they learn best. 5. Year 11 and 12 students can switch too This is the one parents are most afraid of, and it is the one that almost always surprises them. In a traditional school, jumping out of Year 11 or 12 mid-year feels final. With Euka, it is not. The senior pathway recognises prior work, the assessment model uses upload-feedback-resubmit so students keep building their academic record, and Euka’s University Pathways include a partnership with Navitas that opens entry into more than 90 university colleges in Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA, without an ATAR. “I was that parent that was worried, like, what about after? But my eldest has received a conditional offer to law, and she is knocking it out of the park.”— Barbara Bryan, Euka parent, Episode 43 6. If safety is at risk, you can act immediately The bullying numbers are why this point matters. One in three students now come to Euka because of bullying, and actionable cyberbullying complaints to the eSafety Commissioner have risen 37 per cent in the past year. When the situation has become unsafe, the decision to remove your child is a today decision. The registration can happen in the background while your child gets the space to recover. 7. You will not be the teacher The fear that holds the most parents back is the fear that they will have to become a maths teacher, a science teacher, an English teacher, all at once. They will not. The lessons are written and delivered by qualified teachers through the Euka platform; the parent’s role is to facilitate, not to instruct. You sit alongside your child, not in front of a whiteboard. Answered Questions Real questions Australian parents ask, answered through the practical experience of running Euka and supporting families through mid-year switches. Can I start homeschooling in the middle of the school year? + Yes. The Euka program is built to be started at any point in any term, and families enrol every day of the calendar year. There is no waiting until January, and no “missed window”. “You do not have to wait for January. You can just jump on into homeschooling, and it is going to adjust around you and adjust around your child.”— Ellen Brown The state-based registration runs faster mid-year because the home education units are not as swamped as they are at the start-of-year peak. If safety is the reason you are moving now, your child can begin at home while the formal paperwork is being processed. How do I register for homeschooling in New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria? + Every state runs its own home education registration process, and the requirements vary. Euka’s Registration Service was built to remove the guesswork. You fill out a short questionnaire, Euka prepares the documentation including the individualised curriculum learning plan, and you submit it to your state’s home education unit. “We had families spending weeks navigating department websites and trying to write their own education plan from scratch. We built the Registration Service so a parent could go from ‘I want to do this’ to ‘my application is in’ in days, not weeks.”— Brett Campbell, CEO Euka Future Learning The state-specific pages walk through what your state expects: homeschooling in NSW, homeschooling in Queensland, homeschooling in Victoria, and the full set sits on the Why Homeschool hub. Is it too late to start homeschooling in Year 11 or Year 12? + No. Year 11 and Year 12 are the years parents assume they cannot move out of, and it is the assumption that holds the most families back unnecessarily. Senior students who switch to Euka keep their prior academic work, continue building their transcript through the assessment program, and have access to Euka’s University Pathways. “The pathway concern is the one that worries every parent. It is also the one that has the clearest answer. There are now more than 90 university colleges in Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA that accept our graduates through the Navitas partnership, without an ATAR.”— Brett Campbell For students who are not sure whether they want university, Ellen’s standard advice is to do the assessed pathway anyway, so the academic transcript exists if the decision changes later. What if my child is being bullied at school, do I need permission to leave? + No, you do not need the principal’s permission. Parents have the authority to withdraw their child and educate them at home; you notify the school, you do not ask. If the situation is unsafe, you can act immediately and complete the formal registration in parallel. The reality of bullying in Australian schools has shifted: one in three students who join Euka cite bullying as the reason, and the eSafety Commissioner reports a 37 per cent rise in actionable cyberbullying complaints in the past year. “If you do not see any signs of the school or the education department working to fix the problem, get out. I regret every day of those six months.”— Barbara Bryan, Euka parent, Episode 43 Can homeschoolers still get into university without an ATAR? + Yes, and the pathway is well established. Euka’s senior students build an academic transcript through an upload-feedback-resubmit assessment model. That transcript, combined with a university entry or foundation course, gives them access to more than 90 university colleges through the Navitas partnership, including in the UK, Canada and the USA. For students aiming at competitive degrees like law or medicine, this is a real, established route. For students who are unsure, doing the assessed pathway keeps the door open. How long does it take to switch from school to homeschooling with Euka? + Faster than most parents expect. The first practical day at home can be the day you decide; the formal registration runs in the background. Euka’s Registration Service typically prepares the documentation in days, and mid-year submissions tend to be processed faster than start-of-year ones because the state units are not as overloaded. The biggest delay is rarely the paperwork. It is the decision itself. Why This Episode Matters Mid-year is not a compromise, it is often the better window. If the school year started badly, or if something has changed for your family in the last few months, you do not have to ride it out until January. The state systems are calmer, the curriculum picks you up where you are, and the gap between deciding and starting can be days. Year 11 and 12 are not closed doors. The line that “they have to stay in school to finish” is the most common misconception we hear. Senior students switch to Euka mid-year, keep building their transcript, and walk into university through Euka’s University Pathways without needing an ATAR. Safety is a today decision. With bullying behind one in three Euka enrolments, and cyberbullying complaints up sharply, the choice to act is rarely about “if”. It is about how fast. Your Family, Your Journey If you have been wondering whether you have left it too late, you have not. Mid-year families start with Euka every week of the term, and most look back wishing they had started sooner. The post Can I Start Homeschooling in the Middle of the School Year? | 044 appeared first on Euka.
Towards the end of last year, Australia did something no other country had ever tried: it banned social media for kids under 16. And a bunch of others are following with similar laws, first Denmark, then France, then Indonesia and Austria. All in, there are now more than 25 countries that have either implemented, or are actively considering, social media bans for kids. It seems like Canada is moving there as well. In April, the Liberal party adopted a non-binding motion to restrict young people's access to both social media and AI chatbots. All over the world, you can hear parents breathing a sigh of relief. They've spent the last decade watching their kids become hooked on their devices, and now we're doing something about it. It looks like we're finally going to get our kids back. But researchers like Candice Odgers are skeptical. Odgers is a psychology professor at UC Irvine who's been studying the digital lives of young people for almost 20 years now, long before anyone was worried about what social media was doing to their brains. She says there isn't really any research to suggest these bans will work. But her argument goes even deeper than that: she says the idea that smartphones have caused a youth mental health crisis just isn't supported by the evidence. So as governments all over the world start to kick kids off social media, and maybe even AI chatbots as well, Candice Odgers thinks we're making a serious mistake. And I want to know if she's right. Mentioned The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt (Penguin Press, 2024). Australia's under-16 social media ban — the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, in effect 10 December 2025 — eSafety Commissioner. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “Social Media and Adolescent Health” (2024). Hunt Allcott et al., “The Effects of School Phone Bans: National Evidence from Lockable Pouches,” NBER (2026) — near-zero effects on test scores, attendance, and bullying. The University of Manchester #BeeWell study finding no link between social media/gaming use and later anxiety or depression, Journal of Public Health (2026). “The Kids Are All Right,” Scientific American (2026) — young people doing better than prior generations on many metrics. The Stanford-led evaluation of Australia's ban (Stanford Social Media Lab with the eSafety Commission), finding most teens stayed on the platforms — The Conversation. The early-1980s Pac-Man moral panic (Surgeon General C. Everett Koop's 1982 warning; municipal moves to restrict arcades) — Freethink. Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230) — Cornell Legal Information Institute Canada's Gen(Z)AI youth assembly on AI (~100 young Canadians aged 17–23), Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, findings presented in Ottawa. Machines Like Us is hosted by Taylor Owen, produced by Paradigms, and distributed by The Globe and Mail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the Security Insider Podcast, we speak with Alastair MacGibbon, one of Australia's most experienced cyber security and technology resilience leaders.Alastair has shaped Australian cyber security from almost every angle: as a Federal Agent with the Australian Federal Police, founder of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, Australia's inaugural eSafety Commissioner, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Cyber Security, National Cyber Security Adviser, and founding executive at CyberCX.Ahead of his September conference presentation, Alastair joins us to discuss how AI is changing the threat environment, why the traditional separation between cyber, physical and insider risk is breaking down, and what physical security managers need to understand now to protect their people, facilities, information and operations.This conversation is designed to give security leaders practical ways to think about converged risk, without pre-empting the full detail of Alastair's upcoming presentation.
در این پادکست به موضوعاتی مانند موج سرمایهگذاری در هوش مصنوعی بر اساس گزارش گارتنر و شورای فناوری استرالیا، رونق امنیت سایبری بر اساس گارتنر، PwC و بودجه فدرال ۲۰۲۶، پیشرفت شبکه ۵G رکورد جهانی تلسترا و پروژه اینترنت ماهوارهای NBN و ممنوعیت شبکههای اجتماعی برای زیر ۱۶ سال بر اساس eSafety Commissioner و گزارشهای رسمی پرداخته ایم.
Sobre um conjunto de recursos do eSafety Commissioner oferece um roteiro abrangente para as escolas australianas estabelecerem ambientes digitais seguros. O material inclui uma ferramenta de autoavaliação para que as lideranças escolares identifiquem lacunas na sua gestão de segurança online e diretrizes para a realização de análises de risco antes da adoção de novas tecnologias. Além disso, as fontes fornecem instruções detalhadas sobre a gestão de redes sociais, sublinhando a importância do consentimento parental e da proteção de dados pessoais dos alunos. Os documentos também orientam as instituições sobre como exercer o seu dever de cuidado perante incidentes ocorridos fora do horário escolar, promovendo o bem-estar contínuo dos estudantes. No seu conjunto, estas ferramentas auxiliam na criação de políticas preventivas e em estratégias de resposta eficazes contra o ciberbullying e outros abusos digitais.
Sobre um conjunto de recursos do eSafety Commissioner oferece um roteiro abrangente para as escolas australianas estabelecerem ambientes digitais seguros. O material inclui uma ferramenta de autoavaliação para que as lideranças escolares identifiquem lacunas na sua gestão de segurança online e diretrizes para a realização de análises de risco antes da adoção de novas tecnologias. Além disso, as fontes fornecem instruções detalhadas sobre a gestão de redes sociais, sublinhando a importância do consentimento parental e da proteção de dados pessoais dos alunos. Os documentos também orientam as instituições sobre como exercer o seu dever de cuidado perante incidentes ocorridos fora do horário escolar, promovendo o bem-estar contínuo dos estudantes. No seu conjunto, estas ferramentas auxiliam na criação de políticas preventivas e em estratégias de resposta eficazes contra o ciberbullying e outros abusos digitais.
Dean Clifford lives with a condition that makes his skin as fragile as butterfly wings, but his spirit is anything but delicate as he stands up to the "lazy" cruelty of social media trolls. Listen in as he discusses his philosophy on rising above negativity and his expert predictions for a rain-soaked Magic Round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
eSafety Commissioner issues warning to games companies, Game Pass price reduction, and Pokemon Company doubles down. Plus, Gus talks Pragmata, Pete talks Replaced, and guest host Steph Panecasio talks Leafy Corner (demo).Become a Patron today at: https://www.patreon.com/backpocketCheck us out on Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/back_pocketFollow @backpocketvids on Twitter, Bluesky, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram!For business: contact@lowkii.tv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A new report by Australia's eSafety Commissioner has found social media giants aren't complying with the country's under-16 ban.
After the e-Safety Commission revealed that it is investigating some of the world's biggest social media platforms for suspected non-compliance with the ban on under-16s, analysts are saying it'll take more than that for the platforms to change their ways. Australian experts say increasing global pressure on social media giants could prove to be the most effective way of enacting change. - آسٹریلیا کے eSafety Commissioner کی جانب سے یہ انکشاف سامنے آیا ہے کہ وہ دنیا کی بڑی سوشل میڈیا کمپنیوں کے خلاف 16 سال سے کم عمر بچوں پر عائد پابندی کی ممکنہ خلاف ورزیوں کی تحقیقات کر رہا ہے۔ ماہرین کا کہنا ہے کہ صرف تحقیقات کافی نہیں—پلیٹ فارمز کے رویّے میں حقیقی تبدیلی کے لیے اس سے بڑھ کر اقدامات درکار ہوں گے۔
Australia's eSafety Commissioner says five social media platforms are under investigation for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban for under 16s. Users aged under 16 have been banned from social media since December 10th and social media companies who fail to take reasonable steps to comply face fines of up to $49.5 million. - คณะกรรมาธิการความปลอดภัยทางออนไลน์ของออสเตรเลีย (eSafety Commissioner) เปิดเผยว่า ขณะนี้มีแพลตฟอร์มโซเชียลมีเดีย 5 แห่งที่อยู่ระหว่างการสอบสวน หลังอาจไม่ปฏิบัติตามข้อกำหนดเรื่องการห้ามผู้ใช้อายุต่ำกว่า 16 ปีเข้าใช้งาน หากบริษัทใดไม่สามารถแสดงให้เห็นว่าได้ดำเนินการอย่างเพียงพอในการปฏิบัติตามข้อกำหนดดังกล่าว อาจต้องเผชิญค่าปรับสูงสุดถึง 49.5 ล้านดอลลาร์ออสเตรเลีย
Australia's eSafety Commissioner says, five social media platforms are under investigation for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban for under 16s. - Komisaris Keamanan Siber Australia mengatakan, lima platform media sosial sedang diselidiki karena berpotensi gagal mematuhi larangan media sosial untuk anak di bawah 16 tahun.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner says five social media platforms are under investigation for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban for under 16s. Users aged under 16 have been banned from social media since December 10th and social media companies who fail to take reasonable steps to comply face fines of up to $49.5 million. - 国内のオンライン安全を監督するEセーフティ委員会は、SNSプラットフォーム運営元5社について、年齢制限への十分な措置が講じられていない可能性がある事を明らかにしました。
There are concerns the five biggest social media platforms are failing to comply with Australia's social media ban for under 16s. Susan Sawyer, chair of Adolescent Health at the University of Melbourne, and an adviser to the government's eSafety Commissioner spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner is investigating five major platforms for possible breaches of the under-16 social media ban, in force since December 2025. While early compliance shows progress, significant gaps remain. Experts warn of addiction risks among youth. The federal government says companies face fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, urging stricter enforcement to protect children and reassure parents.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner says five social media platforms are under investigation for potentially failing to comply with the social media ban for under 16s. Users aged under 16 have been banned from social media since December 10th and social media companies who fail to take reasonable steps to comply face fines of up to $49.5 million.
The Australian government said on Tuesday that it is investigating five social media platforms for failing to comply with the country's world-first social media ban for children younger than 16.堪培拉消息——澳大利亚政府3月31日表示,正在对五家社交媒体平台展开调查,因其未能遵守该国在全球率先推出的针对16岁以下青少年的社交媒体禁令。In its first report on the social media minimum age obligation, the federal government's eSafety Commissioner said on Tuesday that it has "significant concerns" about the compliance of the social media giants, including Facebook and Instagram, with the laws that came into effect in December.澳大利亚联邦政府电子安全专员在首份关于社交媒体最低年龄要求的报告中表示,对包括Facebook(脸书)和Instagram(照片墙)在内的社交媒体巨头遵守相关法律的情况“深感担忧”。该法律于去年12月生效。Under those laws, social media companies that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent children younger than 16 from accessing their platforms face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.9 million).根据法律,若社交媒体公司未能采取合理措施阻止16岁以下未成年人访问其平台,将面临最高4950万澳元(约合3390万美元)的罚款。The eSafety Commissioner report said that it has identified "poor practices," including platforms allowing children to repeatedly attempt age assurance methods to obtain a 16+ outcome and failing to provide pathways for reporting age-restricted accounts.电子安全专员的报告指出,已发现“不良做法”,包括平台允许青少年反复尝试年龄验证方法以获得16岁以上的认定结果,以及未能提供举报年龄受限账号的途径。It said that the five platforms have been notified about the specific issues and an investigation into potential non-compliance has commenced.报告称,已向这五家平台通报具体问题,并已启动对潜在违规行为的调查。Australia's Minister for Communications Anika Wells said in a statement that she expects the online safety watchdog to "throw the book" at companies that have systematically failed to uphold their legal obligations.澳大利亚通信部长阿妮卡·韦尔斯在一份声明中表示,她希望网络安全监管机构对系统性未能履行法律义务的公司“严加惩处”。"If these companies want to do business in Australia, they must obey Australian laws," she said.她说:“如果这些公司想在澳大利亚开展业务,就必须遵守澳大利亚法律。”The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said that her office is now moving into an enforcement stage of the social media ban.电子安全专员朱莉·英曼·格兰特表示,其办公室现已进入社交媒体禁令的执行阶段。comply with /kəmˈplaɪ wɪð/遵守online safety watchdog /ˌɒnˈlaɪn ˈseɪfti ˈwɒtʃdɒɡ/网络安全监管机构non-compliance /ˌnɒn kəmˈplaɪəns/不合规eSafety Commissioner /iː ˈseɪfti kəˈmɪʃənər/电子安全专员throw the book /θrəʊ ðə bʊk/严加惩处
Grote techbedrijven riskeren een rechtszaak in Australië, omdat ze kinderen niet voldoende van social media weren. De Australische internetwaakhond, de eSafety Commissioner, heeft een onderzoek gedaan naar hoe Meta, Google, Snapchat en TikTok zich de afgelopen drie maanden hebben opgesteld. Joe van Burik vertelt erover in deze Tech Update. Verder in deze Tech Update: Instagram test met een nieuw betaald abonnement buiten Europa, waarmee je onder meer Stories kunt bekijken zonder dat mensen dat weten See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
澳洲網絡安全專員 (eSafety Commissioner) 2 月已通知 Roblox,將直接測試該平台,去年 9 月向澳洲網路安全監管機構所作出的九項安全承諾、執行情況與實際成效。
The eSafety Commissioner has told the gaming platform it needs to take action after reports of children being targeted by predators. - eセーフティー委員は、子どもが加害者に狙われているとの報告を受け、ゲームプラットフォームに対し、早急な対応が必要だと伝えました。
Australian children under the age of 16 have been banned from ten popular social media platforms for 2 months. An investigation by the Australian 'eSafety Commissioners' has now found that several global providers do not adequately comply with local legal requirements. - Australische Kinder unter 16 Jahren sind seit 2 Monaten von zehn beliebten Social-Media-Plattformen ausgeschlossen. Eine Untersuchung des Australischen 'eSafety Commissioners‘ hat jetzt herausgefunden, dass mehrere globale Anbieter die hiesigen gesetzlichen Anforderungen aber nur unzureichend befolgen.
“To keep kids away until they're ready, I think that is the monumental circuit breaker move that we need to move to.”Katy Watson speaks to Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner about the country's social media ban for under 16s.Brought up in Seattle, North America Julie has spent her career in the technology sector working for Microsoft, Twitter and Adobe in public policy and safety before moving into government. She moved to Australia more than 25 years ago and from 2017 Julie has been working on online safety. In her role as commissioner she's become the target of free speech absolutists like Elon Musk, who've accused of her trying to censor the internet.No stranger to controversy and abuse, she's now the public face of Australia's landmark social media ban for children under 16 which came into force in December.Now countries around the world are considering similar bans as cases of online addiction, self harm and abuse are reportedly on the rise.Thank you to Katy Watson and Dan Soekov for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations and Taiwan's cyber ambassador Audrey Tang. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Katy Watson Producer(s): Dan Soekov, Clare Williamson, Farhana Haider Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Julie Inman Grant Credit: Reuters)
This week on Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro discuss the murky world of employee data theft, look at a pair of ransomware attacks – one local, one a touch further afield – and take a look at the new cyber security strategy announced by the NSW government. The podcast opens with research that suggests the new year, and January in particular, is a prime time for employees to make off with important business data, either by accident or accidentally on purpose. In cyber security news, World Leaks has taken responsibility for hacking athletics giant Nike, while the Anubis operation has shared passports and legal documents it stole from a New Zealand law firm. Hollingworth also breaks down a cyber security tabletop exercise he recently took part in, and why they are an essential part of any organisation's cyber resilience strategy. Finally, the eSafety Commissioner is asking people to dob in kids getting around the social media ban, while the pair share some insights from the experts for World Data Privacy Day. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
The wide-ranging impact of Australia's new social media ban for children under 16 — the first of its kind in the world — is already being felt at home and abroad, especially for major platforms that have controversially allowed children full access.澳大利亚针对16岁以下儿童实施的新社交媒体禁令。此类禁令是全球首例,其广泛影响已在国内外显现,尤其对那些曾引发争议地允许儿童全面使用平台的巨头企业造成冲击。The ambitious move to improve online safety governance for youngsters, which took effect on Dec 10, requires major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube to enforce the new legislation. They face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.9 million) if they take no reasonable steps to prevent underage users from holding accounts with them.这项旨在加强青少年网络安全监管的重大举措已于12月10日生效,要求Instagram、Facebook、X、Snapchat、TikTok、Reddit和YouTube等主流平台执行新法规。若未能采取合理措施阻止未成年用户注册账户,这些平台将面临最高4950万澳元(约合3290万美元)的罚款。The ban follows a major survey which revealed how social media is negatively affecting the life satisfaction of Australian high school students. The study, led by the Australian National University, looked at the impact of regular use of social media platforms on life satisfaction levels for students nationwide. It found most participants reported regularly using at least one social media platform, while nearly one in five young people actively post or share social media content at least once a day.这项禁令出台前,一项重大调查揭示了社交媒体如何对澳大利亚高中生的生活满意度产生负面影响。由澳大利亚国立大学主导的研究,考察了社交媒体平台的常规使用对全国学生生活满意度的影响。调查发现,大多数参与者表示会定期使用至少一个社交媒体平台,而近五分之一的年轻人每天至少主动发布或分享一次社交媒体内容。Most major platforms have said that they would comply with the law. Video service provider TikTok said in a statement it has a range of methods for compliance including facial age estimation, credit card authorization, and government-approved identification.大多数主流平台均表示将遵守该法律。视频服务提供商TikTok在声明中称,其已采取多种合规措施,包括面部年龄估算、信用卡授权以及政府认可的身份验证。YouTube said it would make changes to how it operates in Australia under the ban, adding it is committed to finding "a better path forward to keep kids safe online". "We believe a more effective approach is one that empowers parents, rather than stripping away their choices, and allows kids to continue to derive the immense benefits of digital environments while protecting them from harm," it said in a statement.YouTube表示,在禁令实施期间将调整其在澳大利亚的运营方式,并承诺致力于寻找“更佳方案保障儿童网络安全”。该公司声明称:“我们认为更有效的方式是赋予家长更多选择权而非剥夺其选择权,让儿童在享受数字环境巨大益处的同时获得有效保护。”Legal action法律举措On Friday, message board website Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia's highest court seeking to overturn the country's social media ban for children. The San Francisco-based firm, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the High Court filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country's constitution.周五,社交论坛网站Reddit向澳大利亚最高法院提起诉讼,要求推翻该国针对儿童的社交媒体禁令。这家总部位于旧金山的公司将澳大利亚列为其最大市场之一,在向最高法院提交的文件中称,该禁令应被宣布无效,因为它干涉了该国宪法所暗示的政治自由交流。A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells, who was named as the defendant along with the Commonwealth of Australia, said the federal government was "on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms" and would "stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media", Reuters reported.据路透社报道,美国通讯部长安妮卡·韦尔斯(Anika Wells)的发言人表示,联邦政府“站在澳大利亚家长和孩子这一边,而非平台方”,并将“坚定立场,保护澳大利亚青少年免受社交媒体伤害”。Wells与澳大利亚联邦政府共同被列为本案被告。Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people's right to political expression, and "we will fight this action every step of the way". "It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or Big Tech giants," Butler told reporters.澳大利亚卫生部长马克·巴特勒表示,Reddit提起诉讼是为了保护利润,而非捍卫年轻人的政治表达权,并称“我们将全力抵制这一诉讼的每一步行动”。巴特勒向记者表示:“这是大型烟草公司屡次采取的反烟草管制手段,如今某些社交媒体或科技巨头也在效仿。”One Reddit user said in a message-board post: "Our son can no longer access his apps — this has already had a profound effect … Normally he would be consumed with his phone, watching mind-numbing videos."一位Reddit用户在论坛帖子中写道:“我们的儿子现在无法使用他的应用程序,这已经产生了深远影响……平常他会沉迷于手机,看那些令人麻木的视频。”In a radio interview a day after the ban took effect, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said online safety regulators from the eSafety Commissioner are looking at accounts in line with the new legislation. "So they'll look at what the impact is and then every month for six months they'll have to report," he said.禁令生效次日,澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯在电台采访中表示,电子安全专员办公室的网络安全监管人员正依据新法规审查相关账户。他表示:“他们将评估影响,并在接下来的六个月内每月提交报告。”Albanese also acknowledged the challenges implementation of the ban faces.安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯也承认实施禁令面临的挑战。"Some people will get around it, just as chances are this Saturday night an under 18-year-old will get a beer in a pub somewhere. That doesn't mean that society doesn't set these rules, and these processes, in order to keep our youngest Australians safe," he said.他表示:“有些人会钻空子,就像这个周六晚上,某个酒吧里很可能会有未满18岁的未成年人喝到啤酒。但这并不意味着社会没有制定这些规则和流程来保护我们最年轻的澳大利亚人。”"We'll be sensible about it … we're talking of over a million accounts across platforms. We don't expect it to all be done perfectly, but we do expect the law provides for them to do their best endeavors."安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯接着说到:“我们会审慎处理此事……毕竟涉及跨平台超过百万个账户。我们不指望一切都能完美解决,但法律要求他们尽最大努力。”Praise, wariness赞美,警惕Julian Sefton-Green, a professor of new media education at Deakin University, said the ban was "inspiring legislation".迪肯大学新媒体教育教授朱利安·塞夫顿-格林(Julian Sefton-Green)称这项禁令是“鼓舞人心的立法”。"It's designed to raise questions … It's designed to make families and young people talk in different ways," he said.他表示:“禁令的初衷是引发思考……旨在让家庭和年轻人以不同的方式展开对话。”"So I think the significance of this law might be that it changes the power of these huge multinational global platforms, which are to a very great extent unaccountable, unregulated, and not owned by individual national countries, and it will raise a lot of questions about what individual countries can do in respect of these large multinational companies," Sefton-Green, who is also a member of the Australian eSafety Commissioner's advisory group that explores the implementation and outcomes of the nation's social media minimum age legal obligations, told China Daily.同时担任澳大利亚电子安全专员顾问组成员的朱利安·塞夫顿-格林(Julian Sefton-Green)向《中国日报》表示:“因此我认为这项法律的意义可能在于改变这些庞大全球性跨国平台的权力格局——它们在很大程度上不受问责、不受监管,且不属于任何单一国家所有。这将引发诸多思考:各国政府面对这些大型跨国企业究竟能采取哪些有效措施?”澳大利亚电子安全专员顾问小组负责研究该国社交媒体最低年龄法律义务的实施情况及成效。But Catherine Archer, a senior lecturer and researcher in social media at Edith Cowan University, said many academics feel children and teens were not consulted widely enough before the legislation was announced.但伊迪丝考恩大学社交媒体高级讲师兼研究员凯瑟琳·阿彻(Catherine Archer)指出,许多学者认为在立法公布前,对儿童和青少年的意见征询不够充分。"The ban could cause anxiety and other mental issues for teens. They will face uncertainty over the school holidays on how to keep in contact with their friends and be entertained and informed on their regular platforms," Archer said via the Scimex science information portal.凯瑟琳·阿彻(Catherine Archer)通过Scimex科学资讯门户网站表示:“这项禁令可能引发青少年焦虑及其他心理问题。他们将在假期面临不确定性,不知如何与朋友保持联系,也无法通过常用平台获取娱乐和资讯。”"Teens are starting to think of ways around the ban, and the concern is that they may go to 'darker' places on the web. Messaging apps like WhatsApp won't be under the ban, so bullying may still occur," she said.她表示:“青少年正开始寻找规避禁令的方法,令人担忧的是他们可能会转向网络上更‘阴暗'的角落。WhatsApp等即时通讯应用不受禁令限制,因此网络欺凌仍可能发生。”"The effectiveness is yet to be tested. Some adults are worried that it will lead to more data and surveillance, as age testing is not foolproof."她接着说到:“该措施的有效性尚待检验。部分成年人担忧这将导致更多数据收集和监控,因为年龄检测并非万无一失。“Some teenagers have expressed concern over the ban, according to the Australian Associated Press.据澳大利亚联合通讯社报道,一些青少年对这项禁令表示焦虑。It cited the example of Carlee Jade Clements, 15, an influencer from Melbourne with 37,000 Instagram followers who was still on the platform two days from the ban's effective date. Clements spent years building her Instagram presence, with her mother managing the account, but fears the new rules will impact her income and opportunities, AAP reported.该报道以15岁的墨尔本网红卡莉·杰德·克莱门茨(Carlee Jade Clements)为例,这位拥有3.7万Instagram粉丝的博主在禁令生效前两天仍活跃于该平台。据澳大利亚联合通讯社报道,克莱门茨耗费数年时间经营Instagram账号(由其母亲管理),但现在她担忧新规将影响她的收入与发展机会。Two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group filed another suit last month against such a ban, according to Reuters.据路透社报道,两名代表澳大利亚自由意志主义团体的青少年上月就该禁令提起另一项诉讼。Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, said that no matter how people feel about the ban or social media, the feelings and responses of teens losing access to social media must be taken seriously.西澳大利亚珀斯科廷大学互联网研究教授塔玛·利弗(Tama Leaver)表示,无论人们对禁令或社交媒体持何种看法,青少年失去社交媒体使用权限所产生的情绪和反应都必须被严肃对待。"Parents and trusted adults need to listen to young people, to support them, and not dismiss what social media may have meant to them," Leaver said.塔玛·利弗(Tama Leaver)表示:“父母和可信赖的成年人需要倾听年轻人的心声,给予他们支持,不要轻视社交媒体对他们可能产生的意义。”The ban may well reduce some risks, he said, but "cyberbullying will still exist — messaging platforms are mostly exempt from the ban. Untrustworthy adults may still be able to find ways to reach and speak to teens across almost any platform."利弗表示,这项禁令或许能降低某些风险,但“网络欺凌仍将存在——即时通讯平台大多不受禁令约束。不可靠的成年人仍可能找到途径,在几乎任何平台上接触并与青少年对话。”"The job of helping young people learn to navigate the digital world safely is ongoing, and helping teens continue that conversation matters. Opening a door so young people have someone to turn to if they experience something challenging, confronting or terrible online, is vital."利弗表示:“帮助年轻人安全地探索数字世界是一项持续的工作,而引导青少年持续参与相关对话至关重要。为年轻人敞开大门,让他们在遭遇网络挑战、冲突或可怕经历时能获得支持,这具有关键意义。”Sabrina Caldwell, senior lecturer from the School of Systems and Computing at UNSW Canberra, said the new social media ban "won't work perfectly, but it can work imperfectly".新南威尔士大学堪培拉校区系统与计算学院高级讲师萨布丽娜·考德威尔(Sabrina Caldwell)表示,这项新的社交媒体禁令“不会完美奏效,但可以不完美地发挥作用”。"Some young people will find ways to circumvent the restrictions. However, even if they find a way to sneak online, they will not find most of their peers there, and this will detract significantly from the social media experience," Caldwell said.Caldwell表示:“一些年轻人会想方设法绕过限制。然而,即使他们找到偷偷上网的途径,也无法在网上找到大多数同龄人,这将极大削弱社交媒体体验。Bigger issues更重大的问题An Australian Broadcasting Corporation survey of more than 17,000 youngsters aged under 16 about the ban, found one-quarter would stop using social media.澳大利亚广播公司针对1.7万多名16岁以下青少年开展的禁令调查显示,四分之一受访者表示将停止使用社交媒体。Twenty-two percent of social media users said they were unsure if the ban would be effective, while 72 percent said they did not think it would work, according to the poll.调查显示,22%的社交媒体用户表示不确定禁令是否有效,而72%的用户认为禁令不会奏效。Associate Professor Katie Wood, an expert in clinical psychology at Swinburne University of Technology, questioned the ban's role in addressing the "clear negative impacts on mental health and well-being" from excessive social media.斯威本科技大学临床心理学专家凯蒂·伍德(Katie Wood)副教授质疑这项禁令能否有效应对过度使用社交媒体对心理健康和幸福感造成的“明显负面影响”。"While more research is needed to fully answer this question, parents will need support to work with their children to find ways to manage the ban," Wood said.伍德表示:“虽然需要更多研究才能彻底解答这个问题,但家长需要支持来协助孩子寻找应对禁令的方法。”"There is a risk that children will find other ways to access social platforms and become sneakier about it. Parents will need to be vigilant about this as well as any emotional and social fallout."伍德称:“会存在这样的风险:孩子们可能会另辟蹊径接触社交平台,且手段会变得更加隐蔽。家长不仅需要对此保持警惕,还需关注由此引发的情感与社交问题。”Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, a group that advocates protection of Australians' digital rights, told China Daily that despite the ban, bullies, abusers, and predators will not go away.数字权利观察组织政策主管汤姆·苏尔斯顿向《中国日报》表示,尽管实施了禁令,但欺凌者、施虐者和掠夺者不会就此消失。该组织致力于保护澳大利亚人的数字权利。"They will merely follow young people onto the platforms that they are allowed to use. At the same time, young people will be discouraged from seeking help as they may feel they are doing something they shouldn't be."苏尔斯顿表示:“他们只会跟随年轻人进入被允许使用的平台。与此同时,年轻人会因担心自己正在做不该做的事而不敢寻求帮助。”Demanding ID from people to use simple internet systems is likely to cause an increase in identity theft, as Australians become habituated to entering their ID around the internet and potentially into criminal honeypots, Sulston said.苏尔斯顿指出,要求民众在使用简单互联网系统时提供身份证明,很可能导致身份盗窃案件激增。因为澳大利亚人逐渐习惯在网络各处输入个人身份信息,这些信息可能落入犯罪分子的陷阱。Considering the ban's potential impact on other parts of the world, Sulston said his hope and expectation is that "countries will look at Australia's experiment on young people's ability to communicate with each other and treat it as a cautionary tale".考虑到这项禁令可能对世界其他地区产生的影响,苏尔斯顿表示,他希望并期待“各国能关注澳大利亚这项关于年轻人相互交流能力的实验,并将其视为一个警示案例”。"Instead, they will opt to regulate social media companies to remove the harms, rather than remove the young people. We need to stop social media companies from using their algorithms to profit from spreading hate, lies, and division. That is what we should be regulating, rather than the age of the users," he said.他如是说:“可另作他选的是,可以选择监管社交媒体公司以消除危害,而非驱逐年轻人。我们必须阻止社交媒体公司利用算法从传播仇恨、谎言和分裂中牟利。这才是我们应当监管的对象,而非用户的年龄。”Sefton-Green said it will also "encourage other countries to stand up against these social media firms, to try to say that the norms of behavior we see in our society should be norms for which national governments take responsibility".塞夫顿-格林(Sefton-Green)表示,该实验还将“鼓励其他国家挺身对抗这些社交媒体公司,力图表明我们社会中的行为准则应当成为各国政府应承担责任的规范”。Prime Minister Albanese said the "world is not only watching, the world is following".澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯表示:“世界不仅在关注,更在追随。”Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences, Arts, Design and Architecture at the University of New South Wales, said the ban is still "an unfortunate but necessary step to protect children from escalating levels of online sexual abuse and exploitation".新南威尔士大学社会科学、艺术、设计与建筑学院的迈克尔·索尔特(Michael Salter)教授表示,这项禁令仍是“一项不幸但必要的措施,旨在保护儿童免受日益严重的网络性虐待和剥削”。"Globally, 300 million children experience online sexual abuse each year, and the majority of this occurs on social media platforms," said Salter, who is director of Childlight UNSW, the Australasian hub of Childlight, the Global Child Safety Institute, which undertakes research on the impact of child sexual abuse and exploitation.作为全球儿童安全研究所旗下机构Childlight的澳大拉西亚中心新南威尔士大学Childlight项目主任迈克尔·索尔特(Michael Salter),他长期致力于研究儿童性虐待与剥削的影响。他表示:“全球每年有3亿儿童遭受网络性虐待,其中大部分发生在社交媒体平台上。”"Social media companies have consistently prioritized growth and engagement over child protection. Age restrictions are a necessary circuit breaker for a sector where voluntary industry action has failed," he said.Salter表示:“社交媒体公司始终将增长和用户参与度置于儿童保护之上。在行业自发行动未能奏效的领域,年龄限制是必要的保护机制。”Rachael Sharman, a senior psychology lecturer at University of the Sunshine Coast, said that while the logistics of the ban remain under question, the move, if successful, "will give parents and families the opportunity to reclaim childhood, and ensure the building blocks of the brain are set in place before exposure to what has proved to be a most pernicious influence".阳光海岸大学心理学高级讲师瑞秋·夏曼(Rachael Sharman)指出,尽管禁令的实施细节仍存争议,但若该举措得以成功推行,“将使家长和家庭有机会重新夺回童年时光,确保大脑发育的关键阶段在接触已被证实具有极大危害性的影响之前得到健全发展”。"I suspect the rest of the world is taking such an extraordinary interest in this Australian initiative, to see when and how they can best follow suit for the improved wellbeing of their future generations," Sharman said.Sharman表示:“我怀疑世界其他国家之所以对这项澳大利亚倡议表现出如此非凡的兴趣,是为了观察何时以及如何才能最好地效仿,从而为子孙后代创造更美好的福祉。”Germany, Denmark, New Zealand and Malaysia are already considering policies concerning access to social media by teenagers.德国、丹麦、新西兰和马来西亚已开始考虑制定青少年使用社交媒体的相关政策。circuit breaker保护机制algorithmsn./ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm/算法perniciousadj./pɚˈnɪʃ.əs/有害的social fallout社交影响circumventv./ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent/规避
Today more than a million teenagers will wake up to find they have been locked out of social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok as Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s comes into force. Guardian Australia technology reporter Josh Taylor speaks to Julie Inman Grant about how she plans to enforce the move, why it could fail and how taking on the tech giants has come at a personal cost
التقينا خبيرة الذكاء الاصطناعي صبا الهيمص لنتناول أحد أبرز التحولات الاجتماعية في أستراليا هذا العام، وهو حظر حسابات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي لمن هم دون سن السادسة عشرة، وهو قرار جاء بعد سنوات من الاستخدام الواسع للأطفال لهذه المنصات، إذ تشير بيانات eSafety Commissioner إلى أن 96% من الفئة العمرية بين 10 و15 عاماً استخدموا منصة تواصل أو خدمة اتصال واحدة على الأقل، بينما كشف أغلبهم عن مواجهات مباشرة مع مخاطر رقمية حقيقية، فسبعة من بين كل عشرة أطفال صادفوا محتوى يحمل طابع الأذى مثل العنف وخطاب الكراهية.
This morning, Australia’s world-first social media ban for under 16s has come into effect. This means that anyone under the age of 16 is banned from popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. Today, TDA interviews the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, about why this law has come into effect and how it will be enforced. Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Sam KoslowskiGuest: Julie Inman Grant, eSafety CommissionerProducer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started by unpacking the Australian government's National AI Plan. Is it actually good governance, or more of a vibe ripe to be abused by the AI giants? The pair then talk about the eSafety Commissioner's warning that smart car systems are being taken advantage of by domestic abusers, and concern over the impact of the looming social media ban might have on queer youth, before looking at a pair of interesting cyber security incidents from the past week. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro share some reactions to the National AI Plan, before talking about a new UK initiative to stand up an e-sports event to promote and sharpen vital cyber security skills. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
Listen to the latest top news from Australia in Nepali, including the eSafety Commissioner will be issuing notices to all ten platforms on 11 December demanding data on account removals, followed by monthly requests for six months. - सोसल मिडिया प्लेटफर्महरूले १० डिसेम्बरदेखि अस्ट्रेलियाका सोह्र वर्ष मुनिका बालबालिका र किशोर किशोरीका अकाउन्ट बन्द नगरे ५ करोड अस्ट्रेलियन डलरसम्मको जरिमाना लाग्ने लगायत आजका प्रमुख अस्ट्रेलियन समाचार छोटकरीमा सुन्नुहोस्।
Ever feel like your kids walk straight past overflowing laundry baskets, open doors, or lights blazing—and simply don’t see it? You’re not imagining things. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share the hilarious (and slightly painful!) truth about raising kids who swear they’re “contributing”… while the adults quietly carry the load. This feel-good Friday wrap-up dives into family meetings, chore systems that actually work, and the emotional load parents carry as we crawl toward the end of the year. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with practical ideas to help your kids step up—no nagging required. KEY POINTS Why teens truly believe they’re contributing (and why parents disagree). The difference between helping when asked and true initiative. How a simple four-station chore system brought calm back to the household. The real reason parents burn out at the end of the year. Why “don’t give up” might be the most important parenting rule of all. How family meetings create clarity, connection, and accountability—even with adult kids. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Contribution is about initiative—eyes open, notice, and act.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Family meeting questions: What’s going well? What’s not? What do we want to focus on? eSafety Commissioner updates on minimum age for social media platforms Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Hold a quick family meeting—15 minutes max—with the three guiding questions. Introduce clusters instead of chores (laundry, floors, kitchen, bathrooms). Give kids longer rotations (weekly or monthly) to build mastery and responsibility. Reframe contribution as noticing—not waiting. Stay consistent: gentle reminders aren’t failure; they’re part of the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Ad] Support our show and yourself by supporting our two great sponsors! Go to https://piavpn.com/OTHERSIDE to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free! AND D-I-Y Your Patio, Carport, Deck, Pergola and more with SmartKits at smartkits.com.auThis week on THE OTHER SIDE... (Ep 435 w/c Fri 21 November 2025) -- An Australian Government Inquiry pointed out many of the worst mistakes of Covid management by our state and federal governments. But have we learned our lessons and would we do things differently next time? Damian is joined by Professor Gigi Foster of UNSW School of Economics and Prof James Allan from the university of Qld Law School - neither of whom think our governments have really properly admitted their fault, and learned from their mistakes. -- Australia's two biggest states now have new state opposition leaders after a week of drama and turmoil for Australia's most embattled political party - the Liberals. Both new leaders are women from the progressive "moderate" side of the party and both hold inner-city seats in wealthy suburbs. Has the party really learned its lessons from its recent disastrous national polling? -- Australia's eSafety Commissioner has been asked to appear before a US Congressional Committee concerned she has become a zealot and threat to American free speech. Julie Inman Grant is a dual US-Australian citizen. Can she be compelled to appear? -- Big economic warnings from one of Australia's top bankers: we have too much red tape and we should be an energy superpower. -- And the future of The Other Side - why we probably won't be back in 2026. Support us by joining THE EXCLUSIVE SIDE at https://www.othersidetv.com.au/Follow us on X @OtherSideAUSSubscribe NOW on YouTube @OtherSideAUSSupport us - Support our Sponsors - PIAVPN.com/OtherSide and smartkits.com.auSupport the showJoin The EXCLUSIVE Side at www.OtherSideTV.com.au and help us revolutionise Aussie media! The Other Side is a regular news/commentary show on YouTube @OtherSideAus and available to watch FREE here: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherSideAus Follow us on X @OtherSideAUS
This is episode 4 of TPDi’s 5-part Tech Mirror mini-series, Australia vs Social Media: Inside the world-first online safety experiment. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the practicalities of implementing the Social Media Minimum Age legislation. What is likely to happen on 10th December when the law comes into effect? We answer some of the main questions that Australian young people and their parents and carers might have. We hear from the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind, deputy program director of the Age Assurance Technology Trial Andrew Hammond, clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein, Professor Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and Minh Hoang, a member of the eSafety Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Council. Links: eSafety Commissioner’s Social Media age restrictions hub https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub eSafety appoints Stanford University-led academic advisory group to assess the impacts of the Social Media Minimum Age obligation (September 2025) https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/esafety-appoints-stanford-university-led-academic-advisory-group-to-assess-the-impacts-of-the-social-media-minimum-age-obligation Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) resources on the social media minimum age https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/social-media-minimum-age The Dip, founded by Dr Danielle Einstein https://www.thedip.com/ Young Men Online https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/young-men-online Cyberbullying https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/cyberbullying Sextortion https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/image-based-abuse/deal-with-sextortion Parental Controls https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/parental-controls Press Conference: Social Media minimum Age Platform Assessments, Minister for Communications media release (November 2025) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9CIZK_12Zc Meta announces it will begin implementing required changes from 4 December https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-19/meta-to-block-teens-from-instagram-facebook-week-early/106028014 Family Tech Agreement Template (eSaftey, good for younger children): https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/family-tech-agreement Family Tech Contract (Think you know, good for teenagers): https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/find-advice/building-safe-online-habits Headspace guide to the social media ban https://headspace.org.au/our-impact/campaigns/social-media-ban/ ReachOut https://about.au.reachout.com/home Kids Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Lode a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/social-media-minimum-age Credits Written and narrated by Johanna Weaver, Executive Director, Tech Policy Design Institute. Produced by Olivia O’Flynn & Kate Montague, Audiocraft. Research by Amy Denmeade. Original music by Thalia Skopellos. Created on the lands of the Ngunnawal, Ngambri people and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Special thanks to all the team at the Tech Policy Design Institute, without whom the pod would not be possible, especially Zoe Hawkins, Meredith Hodgman, and Dorina Wittmann. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Hollie Hughes in a war of words, Australia's eSafety Commissioner called to appear before the US Congress. Plus, a renewed push to hold the prime minister accountable for his role in the Higgins cover-up saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is episode 3 of a 5-part Tech Mirror mini-series, Australia vs Social Media: Inside the world-first online safety experiment. In this episode, we make sense of the Social Media Minimum Age legislation, explaining the limits of the law and what it actually requires of social media companies, young people, parents, and the community. We also unpack how this new law interrelates with other existing online safety measures, including industry codes. We speak with Cam Wilson from Crikey, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Australia's Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind, and Deputy Program Director of the Age Assurance Technology Trial Andrew Hammond. Links: Minister Wells Press Conference (16 September 2025), supplied. Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, including the explanatory memorandum and transcripts of all second reading speeches https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7284 Government announces plans to introduce the minimum age legislation (8 November 2024), Minimum age for social media access to protect Australian kids https://www.pm.gov.au/media/minimum-age-social-media-access-protect-australian-kids & https://anthonyalbanese.com.au/media-centre/social-media-ban Social media reforms to protect our kids online pass Parliament (29 November 2024) https://alp.org.au/news/social-media-reforms-to-protect-our-kids-online-pass-parliament/ eSafety Commissioner Advice to the Minister for Communications on draft Online Safety Rules (June 2025) https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/esafety-commissioner-advice-minister-communications-draft-online-safety-rules Albanese Government protecting kids from social media harms (July 2025) https://www.pm.gov.au/media/albanese-government-protecting-kids-social-media-harms Prime Minister and Minister for Communications media conference, Canberra (July 2025) https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wellseSaeft/transcript/press-conference-parliament-house-canberra Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025 https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00889/latest/text eSafety Commissioner’s regulatory guidance https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/regulatory-guidance#social-media-minimum-age Minister for Communications and eSafety Commissioner’s media conference (September 2025) https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wells/transcript/press-conference-sydney Privacy Guidance on Part 4A (Social Media Minimum Age) of the Online Safety Act 2021 (October 2025) https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-legislation/related-legislation/social-media-minimum-age Platforms on notice to comply with Social Media Minimum Age, via eSafety Commissioner (November 2025) https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/platforms-on-notice-to-comply-with-social-media-minimum-age Social media minimum age platform assessments, Minister for Communications media release (November 2025) https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wells/media-release/social-media-minimum-age-platform-assessments & https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wells/transcript/press-conference-canberra-0 Press Conference: Social Media minimum Age Platform Assessments, Minister for Communications media release (November 2025) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9CIZK_12Zc Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s industry codes and standards https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/codes Age Assurance Technology Trial https://ageassurance.com.au/ Age Assurance Technology Trial— Final Report https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/age-assurance-technology-trial-final-report Credits Written and narrated by Johanna Weaver, Executive Director, Tech Policy Design Institute. Produced by Olivia O’Flynn & Kate Montague, Audiocraft. Research by Amy Denmeade. Original music by Thalia Skopellos. Created on the lands of the Ngunnawal, Ngambri people and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Special thanks to all the team at the Tech Policy Design Institute, without whom the pod would not be possible, especially Zoe Hawkins, Meredith Hodgman, and Dorina Wittmann. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Liberals finally decide to scrap net-zero by 2050 from their climate policy, taxpayers foot $425,000 for eSafety Commissioner's overseas travel. Plus, Donald Trump pushes ahead with a lawsuit against BBC over a doctored footage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this 5-part Tech Mirror mini-series, Australia vs Social Media, we’re exploring Australia's world first online safety experiment. Across five episodes, we’ll unpack the new social media minimum age restriction law, examine the harms it seeks to prevent, consider the controversy surrounding its passage through parliament in November 2024, and try to demystify what will happen on 10th December when it comes into effect. In this first episode, we’re going to go back to the beginning and dig into the research – and different perspectives - on the harms caused to young people by their use of social media platforms. Why are the experts divided? And does the evidence back-up the concerns of parents and young people? The series is narrated by Tech Policy Design Institute Executive Director, Johanna Weaver. This episode features expert interviews with Professor Jonathan Haidt (social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation), clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein, Professor Amanda Third (co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University), Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, and Minh Hoang, member of the eSafety Youth Council. Links: Tech Policy Design Institute https://techpolicy.au Jonathan Haidt https://jonathanhaidt.com/ The Anxious Generation https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-anxious-generation-9781802063271 Danielle Einstein https://www.danielleeinstein.com/ Amanda Third https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/young-and-resilient/people/directors/amanda_third Julie Inman Grant https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/about-the-commissioner ABC News Breakfast (29 November 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niaeYxdlvkw 'For the good of...' Australian Government Social media minimum age TV advertisement https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/campaign Australian Child Rights Taskforce open letter (October 2024) https://au.reset.tech/news/open-letter-about-social-media-bans/ Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s research findings summary: Social Media Minimum Age campaign (September 2025) https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/campaign#research-findings-summary--social-media-minimum-age-campaign YouGov poll (November 2024) Support for under-16 social media ban soars to 77% among Australians https://au.yougov.com/politics/articles/51000-support-for-under-16-social-media-ban-soars-to-77-among-australians Credits Written and narrated by Johanna Weaver, Executive Director, Tech Policy Design Institute. Produced by Olivia O’Flynn & Kate Montague, Audiocraft. Research by Amy Denmede. Original music by Thalia Skopellos. Created on the lands of the Ngunnawal, Ngambri people and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Special thanks to all the team at the Tech Policy Design Institute, without whom the pod would not be possible, especially Zoe Hawkins, Meredith Hodgman, and Dorina Wittmann. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A world-first law is about to change how Aussie kids use social media — forever.From December 10, children 16 and under will be banned from holding social accounts. But what does that really mean for families? In this special extended episode, Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, about the new age-limit legislation — who it covers, how it will work, what fines apply, and what parents must do now to prepare. This is the definitive guide for every parent trying to navigate the online world — with calm, clarity, and confidence. KEY POINTS What the new under-16 social media ban actually includes (and who’s exempt) How eSafety will enforce compliance — and why parents won’t be penalised The five-step “layered safety” approach every platform must follow What’s being done to restrict online porn and explicit content The truth about “nudifying” apps and how schools can respond Simple ways to help your child transition off social media safely QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Parents shouldn’t have to fight billion-dollar companies to keep their kids safe online — the responsibility belongs with the platforms.” — Julie Inman Grant RESOURCES MENTIONED eSafety Commissioner resources & webinars Deep-fake & image-based-abuse school toolkit Beyond Blue, Headspace, Reach Out, Kids Helpline ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Talk with your child about the upcoming change — and why it matters. Help them download photos or memories they want to keep before Dec 10. Set up approved messaging groups to stay connected safely. Bookmark trusted influencers or sites they can follow directly. Visit esafety.gov.au for family checklists and guides. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has released regulatory guidelines to enforce the upcoming ban on social media use by under-16s, effective December 10. Platforms must remove underage accounts but aren't required to verify every user's age or store personal data. The move aims to reduce online harm while minimising data intrusion, though critics question its effectiveness.
호주 온라인안전위원회(eSafety Commissioner)가 ‘16세 미만 소셜미디어 계정 금지법' 시행을 앞두고 플랫폼 규제 지침을 공개했습니다. 어떤 내용이 담겼을까요?
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When police raided the home of 48-year-old Gary Francis Newman in March 2007, they found him sitting in his lounge room, chatting online with a 14-year-old girl. She thought she was speaking to “Brandon,” a teenage American boy. In reality, Brandon was a persona—a carefully crafted fake identity Newman had used to lure girls online. Police would later uncover nearly 200 such identities. One of those girls was Carly Ryan. Newman lured Carly to a secluded beach, pretending to be Brandon, and brutally murdered her. What followed was every parent’s nightmare—and one mother’s mission to stop it ever happening again. Donate to the work at The Carly Ryan Foundation through their website here. Support is available if you need it: Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation - https://www.accce.gov.au/ eSafety Commissioner - https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Our new podcast Watch Party is out now, listen to our deep-dive into The Thursday Murder Club movie on Apple or Spotify. CREDITS Guest: Sonya Ryan Host: Claire Murphy Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH We finally have an Instagram! Follow us @truecrimeconversations Follow us on TikTok @truecrimeconversations Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
G'day Folks, In this episode of the General Knowledge Podcast, Lee is joined by Ethan Nash from TOTT News for a deep dive into the state of digital freedom, media, and government control. The conversation opens with a look at the decline of streaming services and the resurgence of piracy, highlighting how rising subscription costs, intrusive ads, and restrictions on password sharing have pushed audiences back toward torrenting. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on ownership, control of media, and the erosion of consumer choice in the digital age. The core of the discussion centers on the looming implementation of digital ID systems and restrictions to internet access in Australia. Ethan outlines how governments worldwide, particularly in the UK and Australia, are pushing toward mandatory identification for basic online activity, including Google searches, social media, and streaming platforms. The hosts warn that this shift represents the death of anonymity online, with VPN use already being targeted for suppression. They connect these developments to global agendas promoted by the World Economic Forum and the growing influence of “China-style” surveillance models. The conversation then broadens into political and social consequences. Lee and Ethan examine how governments often justify surveillance and restrictions under the guise of “protecting children,” while in reality building infrastructure for full-spectrum control. They touch on the proposed laws in Australia, the role of the eSafety Commissioner, and moves toward centralised digital identity through platforms like MyGov. Drawing parallels to past authoritarian overreaches, they argue that citizens are losing both privacy and basic freedoms in ways that would have been unimaginable only a decade ago. Despite the bleak outlook, the hosts also highlight potential for resistance and innovation. From “anti-surveillance tech” like special clothing and peer-to-peer communication systems, to grassroots activism such as the UK's “Blade Runners” dismantling surveillance cameras, they suggest necessity will fuel inventive ways to fight back. They urge listeners to consider alternative systems, whether through new technologies, financial models, or community-driven solutions, stressing that individuals with resources and courage will be vital in shaping parallel networks of resilience. Finally, the episode closes by tying these issues back to Australia's political and economic landscape. They discuss weak leadership, controversial marches, immigration pressures, and proposed tax hikes, framing them as symptoms of a nation in decline. Yet, they emphasize that collective action and informed resistance can still make a difference. Whether through petitions, protests, or simply refusing to comply, they argue that Australians must recognise the stakes: protecting privacy, autonomy, and national integrity before these freedoms are permanently eroded. https://tottnews.com/2025/08/12/new-forever-chemicals-sydney-water/ https://senatorbabet.com.au/media-release-senator-babet-urges-australians-to-stand-against-digital-surveillance/ https://www.facebook.com/events/1476921229995080 Remember the Bonus Content shows are available now to all Patreon supporters for just AU$8 a month! Now 44 Bonus shows are available just for those who see value in what we do. Including a 5 part series on the Port Arthur Massacre, The Electric Universe with Physicist Wal Thornhill, The Moon Landing Hoax & The Titanic Conspiracy! PLUS!!!... every Patreon member gets a video version of every episode of the regular show too! Instead of donating money to a charity that most likely won't pass on your full donation to whomever needs it, why not sign up as a patron over at our Patreon account for all the bonus content and extra podcasts! https://www.patreon.com/RealNewsAustralia PayPal donations can be made me here at RealNewsAustralia.com to help pay for costs associated with bringing you this show if you don't want any extra bonus content for your support. As always make sure you subscribe and give us a 5 star rating on iTunes with a nice little review to help us out! Please consider sharing on social media to ensure we reach a bigger audience! We're relying on YOU! Links: https://www.patreon.com/RealNewsAustralia - Join Today! BUY ME A COFFEE! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GeneralMaddox/membership http://paypal.me/LeeMaddox79- Support today!
Half of Aussie kids say they’ve been bullied in the past year — and for some, it’s relentless. If your child is caught in the middle of it, you can feel powerless, worried, and desperate for answers. In this powerful conversation, Professor Donna Cross shares a simple but life-changing 4-step approach to help your child feel heard, supported, and in control — plus what to try when you’ve “done it all” and nothing changes. You’ll learn: The hidden signs your child is struggling (and what not to miss) Why face-to-face bullying is still more common than cyberbullying The LATE model — a simple framework to guide every conversation Why walking or sitting side-by-side helps kids open up How to help when the bullying won’t stop — even after trying everything When changing schools is worth considering (and how to make it work) QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "Don’t take the wheel — take the ride. Let your child lead the conversation so they keep their sense of control." RESOURCES MENTIONED Part 1 of our interview with Professor Donna Cross. Friendly Schools - An evidence-based whole-school approach to social & emotional wellbeing & bullying prevention. Bullying No Way - Professional learning resources. Professor Donna Cross’s research on bullying prevention and intervention Happy Families resources on bullying When Your Child is Bullied: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents [HF Article] Rebecca Sparrow's friendship resources for parents and kids (Australia's "Friendship Whisperer") Rebecca Sparrow's friendship resources for schools and educators No Bullying Week: "Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up." Kid's Helpline for Bullying Spotlight on cyberbullying - a resource for schools The eSafety Commissioner's Guide to Cyberbullying Webinars for schools - designed for 3/4 and 5/6 students (Bullying No Way 2025) ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Watch for warning signs — changes in mood, friendships, or routines. Use the LATE approach when your child opens up. L – Listen without rushing to take over. A – Acknowledge the hurt (“That sounds really tough”). T – Talk about options, letting your child lead the ideas. E – End with encouragement and keep the door open for future talks. Role-play tricky situations to build your child’s confidence and coping skills. Engage the school early and keep them informed — especially during transitions. Encourage bystander support skills in your child’s friendship group. If necessary, consider a school change — but plan supports to prevent the bullying from following them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The conflict in Gaza has entered a volatile new chapter, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordering a full military occupation of the territory; but what does that actually mean? This comes as one of the largest pro-Palestinian rallies in Australian history brought Sydney to a standstill over the weekend, demanding action on the escalating crisis. And in headlines today, James Vlassakis, the youngest man convicted over the Snowtown murders, has been granted parole after 26 years in prison; Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says YouTube and Apple are failing to tackle child sexual abuse material on their platforms; Volodymyr Zelenskiy has spoken with Donald Trump about ending the war, stronger sanctions on Russia, and a $46 billion drone deal; Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan have walked the red carpet in Sydney for the Australian premiere of Freakier Friday. THE END BITSSupport independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here Listen to Morning Tea celebrity headlines here GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Hosts: Taylah Strano & Tahli Blackman Guest: Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer In International Relations at Flinders University Audio Producer: Lu Hill Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Thursday, July 3rd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Russia's tight restrictions on missionary activity Individuals and religious groups across Russia continue to face charges of “unlawful missionary activity.” Forum 18 reports the country has conducted 34 such prosecutions this year, an increase compared to recent years. A dozen of these cases affected evangelical Christians. Pastors were fined simply for evangelizing or holding unauthorized church services. Russia enacted tight restrictions on sharing religious beliefs in 2016. The country also imposed “anti-missionary” legislation in occupied Ukrainian territories. In Acts 5:29, the apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Biologically accurate pronouns allowed despite Australia's wokeness Free speech advocates won a big case against Australia this week. At issue is a post on Elon Musk's social media platform X that used biologically accurate pronouns to identify a transgender individual. Australia's eSafety Commissioner ordered X to remove the post, but X challenged the order. On Tuesday, Australia's Administrative Review Tribunal sided with X in the case. Paul Coleman with Alliance Defending Freedom International said, “In this case, the Australian government alarmingly censored the peaceful expression of a Canadian citizen on an American-owned platform, evidence of the expansive reach of censorial forces, even beyond national borders. Today, free speech has prevailed.” Elon Musk wants to found The American Party which will cut the deficit Speaking of Elon Musk, the tech billionaire called for a new political party in the U.S. On Monday, he posted on X, “If this insane spending bill passes, The America Party will be formed the next day. Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.” Musk openly opposes President Donald Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” for its deficit spending. Afraid of losing $175m, U of Penn agrees to stop transgender nonsense The University of Pennsylvania is backing down from its support for transgenderism. The Trump administration threatened to withhold $175 million in funding to the school for allowing men to compete in women's sports, reports CNN. UPenn came to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education recently to protect women's sports. Notably, the school will strip a transgender swimmer of his medals. The male swimmer, Will Thomas, who now goes by the feminine name “Lia” Thomas, has been pretending to be a woman, enabling him to win medals by competing in women's sports. Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, said, “It is my hope that today demonstrates to educational institutions that they will no longer be allowed to trample upon women's civil rights.” Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down 176-year-old abortion ban Wisconsin's Supreme Court struck down the state's 176-year-old abortion ban yesterday. The 1849 law made most abortions a felony. But the high court ruled 4-3 that more recent legislation superseded the law. Wisconsin only has a ban on late-term abortions now. Heather Weininger, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life, told LifeNews, “The court did not point to a single state statute that specifically repeals [the law]. To assert that a repeal is implied is to legislate from the bench.” Jimmy Swaggart, known for his “I have sinned” confession, died at 90 Remember this? JIMMY SWAGGART: “I have sinned against You, my Lord, and I would ask that Your precious blood would wash and cleanse every stain until it is in the seas of God's forgetfulness. Thank you. Thank you.” That was the tearful confession on February 21, 1988 of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after it became public that he had an encounter with a lady of the evening in New Orleans. He was defrocked by the Assemblies of God, reports The Christian Post. The Pentecostal preacher died on July 1st at the age of 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest recently. In the announcement from his official Facebook page on Tuesday, his family wrote, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.” Swaggart's popularity peaked in the mid-1980s, reaching millions of households with his weekly telecasts. In his confession, the televangelist alluded to Micah 7:19. It says, “You [God] will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Man's gold necklace cross deflected bullet And finally, a young man in Florida is thanking God for saving his life. Last month, 20-year-old Aiden Perry was shot in the chest, by accident, while visiting a friend's apartment. The gun was only 10 feet away from him. The incident could have been much worse if it weren't for the gold cross necklace he was wearing. The necklace deflected the bullet from hitting major organs in his chest. Dr. Khafra Henry, who performed the surgery, explained to WESH-TV how Aiden's golden cross necklace was a blessing. HENRY: “Of its metallic component, it actually shielded a lot of the force of the bullet, so the bullet ricocheted off the necklace and entered his chest wall. However, it was just in his fat tissues because it slowed down the trajectory of the bullet.” Dr. Henry noted what might have happened had Aiden not been wearing his golden cross. HENRY: “It could have been way worse, entering his chest wall itself, into the pleural space, which is the airspace around the lung, between the bones, and injuring his lung itself, or his heart.” Aiden said, “It's just kind of a reminder now – to never stop believing. Keep believing and God's definitely real.” In his comments to WESH-TV, he expressed gratitude to God. PERRY: “I think God played a big role in this. I think He's the reason I'm still here today.” In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus asked, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, July 3rd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
It’s confronting. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s happening every day.Australia ranks among the highest in the world for online bullying—and too many parents feel powerless to stop it. In this episode, Justin and Kylie recap the raw and eye-opening online bullying challenge from Parental Guidance Season 3. They’re joined by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who shares the harsh realities—and practical solutions—for families. From shocking in-game bullying to vital conversations every family should be having, this is an essential listen for every parent navigating the digital world with their kids. KEY POINTS: Australia has the second-highest rates of reported online bullying globally—after the U.S. The Parental Guidance challenge exposed how confronting online bullying can be for both children and parents. Many children don’t realise how harmful their words can be online. Cyberbullying often happens within school communities, not just with strangers. The anonymity of screens makes hurtful behaviour easier for some children. Julie Inman Grant (eSafety Commissioner) highlights that 1 in 5 Aussie kids experience cyberbullying. Critical advice includes: monitor online activity, keep screens out of bedrooms and bathrooms, and have regular, open conversations. Teach kids to block, report, and escalate harmful behaviour. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Talk early and talk often. This is not a one-off conversation—it’s an ongoing part of parenting in the digital age.”– Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner RESOURCES MENTIONED: eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au – for reporting cyberbullying and accessing resources. Parental Guidance on 9Now – to watch the full episode and share with your family. Happy Families: https://www.happyfamilies.com.au – for parenting resources, courses, and support. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Monitor & Supervise: Know what your kids are doing online. Familiarise yourself with the games, apps, and chat platforms they use. Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms/Bathrooms: These are the places where harm often escalates—whether it’s exploitation or cyberbullying. Teach Block & Report: Empower your kids to block bullies and report harmful behaviour quickly and confidently. Talk Early, Talk Often: Start conversations about online behaviour when your kids are young—and keep them going as they grow. Escalate if Needed: If the bullying continues, report it to the platform, the school, the eSafety Commissioner, or even law enforcement when necessary. Model Healthy Tech Use: Show your kids what respectful online interactions look like—and when it’s okay to disconnect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.