How Australia Changed the Rules on Social Media with Greg Attwells and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli

In this special episode of One Young Mind, we speak with Greg Atwells and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, two of the dads behind 36 Months, the movement that helped Australia introduce a world-first minimum age for social media.

Recorded just after Australia’s under-16 law came into force, this conversation explores how a simple question, “What if no one was on it?”, sparked a national shift, and what New Zealand parents and policymakers can learn from it.

Greg and Wippa share what it took to turn parental concern into political action, how social norms rather than perfect enforcement drive lasting change, and why this moment matters far beyond Australia.

They also speak candidly about parenting through the transition. The grief some young people feel when social media is removed. The relief many parents experience. And the opportunity this creates to reclaim real-world independence, boredom, creativity and connection.

This is a hopeful, practical conversation about courage, leadership and why protecting children online should not rest on parents’ shoulders alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the 36 Months campaign began and why parents felt “damned if they do, damned if they don’t”

• What changed once social media access became a legal issue rather than a parenting battle

• Why age limits are about social norming, not punishment

• How Australia moved quickly and what New Zealand can learn from that

• Why tech companies can enforce age limits despite what they claim

• Supporting children through the transition off social media

• Practical ideas for parents navigating the off-social phase together

This episode is essential listening for parents, educators and anyone interested in how evidence, public will and leadership can come together to protect young minds.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.