To be attributed to headspace CEO Jason Trethowan:
“headspace welcomes the Australian Government’s proposed Digital Duty of Care reforms as a vital step towards creating safer online environments for young people.
“We congratulate the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Communications Anika Wells on drafting the legislation and we look forward to providing feedback over the next two weeks of consultation to further optimise it.
“One immediate consideration is around how the draft legislation and the harms it seeks to address apply to all young people up to the age of 25 – not just those under the age of 18.
“Every day, we hear from young people about the positive role online spaces can play in helping them connect with friends and communities, along with helping them accessing mental health information and support.
“We also hear about the challenges they face navigating online platforms and services that are often designed to prioritise attention and engagement, rather than mental health and wellbeing.
“Young people tell us they want online spaces that are safer, more transparent and give them greater control over their experiences.
“The weight of trying to avoid online harms should not sit with the young person or family. The draft Digital Duty of Care recognises that this responsibility should sit with platforms.
“No single reform will eliminate every online risk. However, these draft measures represent an important step towards greater accountability and a recognition that safety should be built into platforms by default.
“headspace looks forward to continuing to work with government, young people and the broader sector to ensure these reforms remain responsive to emerging harms and deliver meaningful improvements to the online experiences and wellbeing of young Australians.”
