Digital Tweens

How do we shift digital wellbeing from a collection of important initiatives to a coherent, whole-school culture that genuinely supports students?

Today we publish Part 3 of our Digital Wellbeing series for school leaders, exploring how schools can move from aspiration to sustainable and embedded practice in this space.

The article examines:
• why digital wellbeing is an embedded cultural issue
• how digital literacy, digital citizenship and digital wellbeing interconnect
• what coherence looks like across curriculum, pedagogy, policy and family engagement
• how school leaders can shape the conditions for meaningful, community-wide alignment

Many schools are already doing a substantial amount of good work in this space. The challenge now is strengthening what already exists so that students experience digital wellbeing as an integrated, intentional and predictable part of school culture.
If you are considering elevating the importance of digital wellbeing in your school for 2026, this article will support your thinking and planning.

Read the full article – link in the comments.

If you would like support developing a whole-school digital wellbeing roadmap, we’re offering five heavily discounted partnership places for 2026. You can also book a conversation or try our free interactive Digital Wellbeing Self-Evaluation Tool. All links are in the comments.

As always young people have lots of really important wisdom to share when we listen to them. Very interesting read.

‘Everyone will miss the socialising – but it’s also a relief’: five young teens on Australia’s social media ban As the under-16s social media ban looms, Guardian Australia speaks to five 13 to 15-year-olds about what they will miss, and what government should be doing instead

Part 2: A School Leadership Imperative: Setting Clear Digital Wellbeing Priorities for 2026

Part 2 of our Digital Wellbeing blog series is now live. It focuses on the leadership work schools need to do in 2026 to set clear digital wellbeing priorities. Without clarity, well-intentioned work becomes fragmented and less effective for students. This week’s article explores how schools can:
· define clear digital wellbeing priorities
· strengthen alignment of digital wellbeing work and embedded it
· build staff confidence and shared language
· partner with parents in realistic, respectful ways
· use insight, not assumptions, to guide decisions
· move from reactive responses to intentional school-wide practice

2026 offers a great opportunity to bring timely coherence to the work that is already happening, not just add more but to make what you’re doing even more effective for your students.

Read Part 2 here: https://digitaltweens.com.au/the-digital-tweens-blog/f/a-school-leadership-imperative

If you’re thinking about how your school can take the next step, why not:
· Download the Digital Wellbeing Planning Checklist: https://digitaltweens.com.au/wellbeing-checklist
· Try our FREE self-evaluation tool for schools. Just answer a few quick questions and get an instant, personalised report with feedback tailored to your school’s specific needs: https://mark-wf1dczny.scoreapp.com
· Book in a no obligation call: https://calendly.com/office-digitaltweens/digital-tweens-30-minute-discovery-meeting-clone

Next week: Part 3 - what a practical, sustainable whole-school approach looks like in action.

A School Leadership Imperative: Setting Clear Digital Wellbeing Priorities for 2026

Teachers and school leaders are seeing first-hand how students’ digital habits are shaping the way they feel, behave and learn. Much important work is already happening in schools across digital literacy, digital safety and wellbeing, yet the complexity continues to evolve.

Today we’ve published Part 1 of a new three-part series for school leaders: Making 2026 a Turning Point for Student Digital Wellbeing.

The article explores the digital pressures many students carry into school each day, how this impacts learning and relationships, and why 2026 presents an opportunity for school leaders to take a more strategic and coherent whole-school approach. It also includes a free 2026 Digital Wellbeing Planning Checklist designed to support leadership teams as they reflect on their current context and identify practical priorities for next year.

Read Part 1 and download the checklist here: https://digitaltweens.com.au/the-digital-tweens-blog/f/making-2026-a-turning-point-for-digital-wellbeing-in-your-school

I’d welcome insights from school leaders who are concerned about strengthening student digital wellbeing in 2026.

Making 2026 a Turning Point for Digital Wellbeing in Your School Leading Digital Wellbeing in 2026: A Three-Part Guide for School Leaders

Part II of my conversation with Bora Seker on the Dumb Ways to Get Hacked Podcast is now available. Despite the title, we actually discuss the modern-day challenges of digital parenting and practical actions which can make a difference. Relevant to all parents, not just those in Australia!

Australia's Social Media Ban: Are We Solving the WRONG Problem? (Part 2 of 2) Welcome to Part 2! If you haven't watched Part 1, start there to understand why Australia's social media ban might be solving the wrong problem (link below)....

Check out the first part of Mark Yeowell, founder of Digital Tweens’, conversation with Bora Seker when he was a guest on the Dumb Ways to Get Hacked Podcast last week.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Are We Solving the WRONG Problem? (Part 1 of 2) Australia's Social Media Ban: Are We Solving the WRONG Problem? (Part 1 of 2)On December 10, 2025, Australia becomes the first country in the world to ban so...

Mark Yeowell, Founder of Digital Tweens, was a guest on the Dumb Ways to Get Hacked Podcast last week. It was a massive discussion about digital parenting, initial smartphone ownership and of course Australia’s new social media restrictions for under 16's.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Are We Solving the WRONG Problem? 🇦🇺 December 10, 2025 - Australia becomes first country to ban social media for under-16s.But UNSW research reveals we might be solving the wrong problem.Dr. Mar...

Mark Yeowell, Founder of Digital Tweens, was a guest on the Dumb Ways to Get Hacked Podcast last week. It was a massive discussion about digital parenting, initial smartphone ownership and of course Australia’s new social media restrictions for under 16's.

Mark's research has revealed parents biggest concern about their child getting a smartphone ultimately wasn't online predators.
It wasn't inappropriate content. It wasn't even cyberbullying.
It was time!

"Concern from parents about things that were not happening that were before, like reading, and playing with their siblings and going outside."

Five minutes of video viewing turning into three hours of scrolling.

So what can parents actually do?

Mark's advice is simple but powerful:
"If there's one thing you can do for your child that's gonna be a positive, it's to keep technology out of bedrooms."

Small steps. Small habits. Big changes.

But most importantly:
"You can't parent without being there. And that's challenging because people are busy. But parenting has always been challenging."

Watch the full teaser now. This is Part 1 of our 2-part series.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Are We Solving the WRONG Problem? | Episode 39 Teaser On December 10, 2025, Australia becomes the first country in the world to ban social media for under-16s. But groundbreaking research from UNSW reveals paren...

Digital Tweens founder, Mark Yeowell, had a great conversation this week with Melanie White as a guest on her 'Your Parent Coach' podcast.

They covered a lot of ground, including:
· What is Digital Puberty and why is it important for parents and teachers to understand and be actively involved
· How the 'scroll hole' develops and what parents can do
· The overwhelm of group chats and constant notifications
· Practical ways to reduce conflict during early smartphone ownership
· Our Digital Tweens DRIVER framework for Digital Parenting
· Why it’s never too late to reset boundaries
· What schools and communities can do to support digital wellbeing

Have listen. Don't forget to like and follow Mel's podcast, and of course to share it.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/60z8dgX0ZtQB2L4SeU7j8J?si=f06e3b81cb6c4cf5

Find out more about Digital Tweens and Mark's work on our website www.digitaltweens.com.au and follow us on social media.

Digital Puberty & Your Tween’s First Phone: What Parents Need to Know Your Parent Coach by Mel White · Episode

Social media will soon look very different for young people in Australia.

With the new social media age restrictions starting on 10 December 2025, families can prepare now to support children through the emotional, practical and social changes ahead.

From backing up content to helping them stay connected with friends, there is a lot parents can do to make this transition easier and healthier.

Our latest Digital Tweens blog article breaks down:
• how to prepare for account changes
• what to expect emotionally
• how to support young creators
• when children try to bypass the restrictions
• what parents can do to keep communication open and safe

Read Blog 3: Practical Preparation for the New Social Media Age Restrictions
https://digitaltweens.com.au/the-digital-tweens-blog/f/practical-preparation-for-the-new-social-media-age-restrictions

Practical Preparation for the New Social Media Age Restrictions A Moment for Digital Reset

For many young people, losing access to social media will feel like a major change. It affects how they connect, create and stay involved with friends.

As the new age restrictions take effect ON 10 December, some children and young people will feel anxious or frustrated. Others may feel unsure about how to stay in touch or what comes next.

With calm conversations, empathy and practical support, families can help make this transition much easier. It is also a chance to rediscover meaningful offline time with friends, hobbies and activities that support wellbeing.

Read the second blog in our Digital Tweens series to learn how to support your child emotionally and help them stay connected as the delay rolls out: https://digitaltweens.com.au/the-digital-tweens-blog/f/social-and-emotional-impacts-of-the-social-media-age-restrictions

Social and Emotional Impacts of the Social Media Age Restrictions Helping children and young people prepare: A guide for parents and schools.

Understanding Australia’s New Social Media Rules
(Part 1 of a new 3 Part Blog Series)

Big changes are coming for Australian families this December.
Social media platforms will soon restrict access for anyone under 16. That means a shift not just in technology, but in how young people connect, play and express themselves online.

The social media delay aims to protect children from harmful content, online predators and the mental-health impacts of endless scrolling and comparison. It’s also an opportunity for families to reset, reconnect and help kids grow confidence and mature offline.

Read more about what’s changing and how to start preparing:
Understanding Australia’s New Social Media Age Rule
https://digitaltweens.com.au/the-digital-tweens-blog/f/understanding-australia%E2%80%99s-new-social-media-age-rules

Understanding Australia’s New Social Media Age Rules: What Parents Need to Know