Dear Parents and Carers, 

The term is quickly coming to a close, and it has been a fantastic period of learning. We’re excited to share the students’ Storyline with parents and friends next Tuesday. Showcasing their work is truly something to look forward to!

Social Media Age Restrictions 

Recently in the media and public forums it has been reported that from December 2025, Australia will introduce a new minimum age of 16 for using most social media

platforms. This change is part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. Its goal is to reduce online harm to young people by holding social media platforms more accountable for who uses their services.

What Is the New Social Media Age Limit?

The new law will make it mandatory for platforms to take steps that prevent children under 16 from signing up or maintaining accounts. This applies to popular platforms such as:

• Instagram
• Snapchat
• TikTok
• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Reddit
• YouTube / YouTube Shorts

Some platforms are NOT included in this law. These exemptions include:

• Messenger Kids
• WhatsApp
• Google Classroom
• Gaming platforms

5 Things Parents Can Do Right Now

1. Talk early about what’s changing
   Ask your child, “Have you heard about the new age limit for social media?” Give them time to share how they feel and what they’re worried about.
2. Review current accounts together
   Sit down and look through their existing apps or profiles. Talk about what might need to change and how they’d like to handle it.
3. Make a plan for staying connected
   Help your child choose safe, age-appropriate ways to stay in touch with friends, like messaging apps or family-approved chat options.
4. Discuss the risks of getting around the rules
   Explain why using someone else’s ID or downloading VPNs might seem like an easy fix, but can lead to bigger problems. Keep the tone supportive.
5. Keep teaching safety skills
   Even if your child is stepping away from certain platforms, continue to build their skills for privacy, kindness, and help-seeking in all online spaces.

School Uniform 

As we approach the warmer months of the year, we will start transitioning back to Summer Uniform. Students have been able to wear their summer uniform starting this week.

All students are required to wear their summer uniform from Tuesday 14 October. Our school uniform policy stipulates that the following items are worn during summer. 

GIRLS' SUMMER UNIFORM

• Blue check dress
• Navy skort/ pale blue peter pan collared shirt
• Short white socks (no anklet socks)
• Black polished leather shoes
• Navy blue jumper with school crest
• St Bernard’s navy hat

BOYS' SUMMER UNIFORM

• Grey shorts
• St Bernard’s blue short sleeve shirt
• Grey socks
• Black polished leather shoes
• Navy blue jumper with school crest
• St Bernard’s navy hat