Social Media Can Be Our Safe Space

There has been a lot of talk lately about banning or restricting social media for young people in Australia. While the idea might come from a wish to protect, for many LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent young people, especially those in rural and remote areas, a ban could take away one of the few lifelines they have.

For queer young people, social media is often the first place where they see themselves reflected, meet others like them, and feel a sense of belonging. When schools, families, or communities do not provide safe or inclusive spaces, online communities become vital. Recent research shows that for LGBTQ+ youth, social media is not just about entertainment — it plays an important role in identity development, mental health, and finding supportive networks. Losing that could increase feelings of isolation and worsen mental health struggles.

The same is true for neurodivergent young people. Many autistic and ADHD teens use online platforms to connect with others who share their experiences. Social media often provides a safer and more manageable environment than face-to-face interactions. It is also a place where they can advocate, share knowledge, and feel proud of who they are. For some, especially those who mask in daily life, online spaces are the only places where they can be fully themselves.

For young people who are both neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+, the risks of a ban are even greater. Their identities are often misunderstood or overlooked in their local communities, and online spaces may be the only place they feel fully seen and supported. This is particularly true in rural and remote areas, where there are fewer services, support groups, or safe places to connect offline. Without social media, many of these young people would be left with nothing at all.

Of course, social media has risks. But banning it would punish the very people who rely on it most. A more helpful response would be to make online spaces safer, promote digital literacy, and expand both online and offline supports. That way, young people are not cut off from their communities, but are better equipped to use social media in healthy and affirming ways.

References

Bacaj, C., Wang, K., Zhang, A., & Charmaraman, L. (2025). Review of current trends in LGBTQ+ youth and social media: Implications for mental health, identity development, and civic engagement. Current Pediatrics Reports, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-024-00338-2

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. (2024, October 9). Leading mental health organisations say proposed ban won’t make social media safe. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.

WhyNot. (2025). Australia’s social media ban: Neurodivergent young people weigh in. WhyNot.