The proposed Albanese government legislation to raise social media age limits to 16+ has sparked important conversations about how sports clubs communicate with young community members. While some view these changes as restrictive, they actually present an opportunity to rebuild healthier digital connections with our next generation of athletes.
Irrespective of the direction this regulation goes in, it has brought to the fore the concerns that many parents have. As a parent of junior players, I can very much feel the pull towards social media. With a professional background in digital media, I also know that an alternative approach that doesn’t take away from the benefits of social media but provides a solution so young people don’t feel obligated to visit these environments to get their news and club information.
The Current Challenge
For years, sports clubs have relied heavily on social media to showcase player pathways and engage young athletes. It made sense – that’s where young people were spending their time. But this dependence has inadvertently pressured younger community members to join social media platforms just to stay connected with their local club.
A Better Way Forward
Instead of seeing the age limit proposal as a barrier, we see this as an opportunity to bring in positive change to communities that are nowadays fragmented across a number of different social media platforms. The solution isn’t to stop sharing engaging content – it’s to ensure this content has a proper home that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of age or social media access.
The “Digital First, Social Second” Approach
We’re advocating for a simple but powerful policy: every piece of content should live on your club website first, then be shared to social media. This “Digital First, Social Second” approach means:
– Young athletes can follow their favourite teams and players without needing social media accounts
– Parents can stay informed about club activities through a safe, controlled environment
– Clubs maintain a comprehensive, searchable archive of their pathway programs and success stories
– Future players can explore their potential journey through the club at any time
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Consider this: A 14-year-old aspiring player shouldn’t need to choose between staying informed about their local club and following age-appropriate online boundaries. By making your club website the primary hub for all communications, you’re not just complying with potential new legislation – you’re creating a safer, more inclusive digital environment.
Building Digital Pathways That Work
Your club website can showcase:
– Player development journeys via sports based news
– Junior to senior pathway stories
– Training programs and opportunities
– Match highlights and achievements
– Club news and updates
– Team announcements and selections
All of this content can be accessed without the mental health risks associated with social media use among young people.
Making the Transition
The key is having a platform that makes this transition seamless. Your website needs to be as engaging and dynamic as social media, but in a controlled, safe environment. This means:
– Easy content updates – without adding extra work to the club administration team
– Engaging multimedia capabilities – intuitive to the needs of club sport
– Mobile-friendly design – with over 70% content being consumed on mobile
– Simple navigation for all ages – easy to find, relevant content
– Integrated communication tools – push notifications for broadcast messages to the community
Looking Ahead
As discussions about social media age restrictions continue, clubs have a unique opportunity to lead by example. By establishing your website as your primary communication hub, you’re not just preparing for potential legislation – you’re creating a more sustainable, responsible way to engage with all members of your community.
The goal isn’t to compete with social media but to ensure that no young person misses out on sports opportunities because of age restrictions on certain platforms. Your club website should be the trusted source of truth, accessible to everyone in your community.
Taking Action
Start by auditing your current communication strategy:
– What content currently only exists on social media?
– Which updates are crucial for younger members?
– How can you make your website the go-to destination for club updates?
Remember, this isn’t about choosing between digital engagement and responsible oversight – it’s about creating a better way to connect with all members of your sporting community, regardless of their age or social media access.
Your club’s website isn’t just a digital presence – it’s also self directed commitment to accessible, age-appropriate communication that builds stronger sporting pathways for everyone.
Contact Clubland at enquiries@clubland.net.au to learn how we can help you build an engaging online presence that serves players and supporters of all ages.
