secure online communities

Why Secure Online Communities Are the Smarter Alternative to Social Media

Especially in a Post–Under-16 Social Media Ban Australia

Australia’s move to restrict social media use for children under 16 reflects a growing global concern:  open social media platforms are no longer safe, appropriate, or effective spaces for learning, connection, or community building.

As organisations, educators, and community leaders, we now face an important question:

If social media isn’t suitable—what’s the better option? 

The answer is secure, purpose-built online communities.

The Problem with Traditional Social Media

Social media platforms were designed to:

• Capture attention, not support learning
• Monetise data, not protect privacy
• Amplify conflict, not build trust

For communities, educators, and organisations, this creates serious risks:

• Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
• Misinformation and algorithm-driven feeds
• Data harvesting and privacy breaches
• Cyberbullying and harassment
• No control over who joins or what is shared
• Platforms not designed for children, learning, or community wellbeing

With under-16s now banned, these risks are no longer hypothetical—they are officially recognised.