Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP, is inviting local residents to join an online Social Media Forum on September 16 at 7pm to discuss the growing impact of social media on young people in the community.

As social media plays an increasing role in everyday life, concerns about its effects on the mental health and social development of young people have grown. This forum will provide an opportunity for parents, students, P&C representatives, school staff, and the public to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions on how social media is shaping the lives of young people in Heathcote.

At the forum, there will be a panel of three leading experts who will speak to the impact of social media on young people, current age assurance proposals and online disinformation and extremism. Following this there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. The panel will consist of:

• Dr Belinda Barnet, a Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications at Swinburne University;
• Dr Tiffani Apps, a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Wollongong and;
• Sophie Dawson: a Partner at Johnson, Winters and Slatery, who is a media, information technology and privacy partner with an emphasis on advice and disputes.

This forum will be an opportunity for the community to discuss the impact social media is having on young people in Heathcote. Parents, educators, and students themselves know firsthand the benefits and challenges of social media, and this forum will ensure their voices are heard.

The online event is part of a broader community consultation effort leading up to the Social Media Summit, co-hosted by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia in October. Feedback from the forum will contribute to discussions at the summit, which aims to address the growing concerns surrounding social media use and its effects on mental health.

Ms Stuart is encouraging all residents including our young people to participate in this important conversation and help shape future policies around the use of social media.

To register for the Heathcote Social Media Forum, and submit questions for the panel please click here.