Australia is counted.
It’s time Australia was heard.
We know how many people live in Australia.
We know where we live, how old we are and how the economy is performing.
But those numbers cannot tell us how Australians are really doing.
Do people feel secure?
Are families thriving?
Are communities becoming stronger?
Do Australians feel heard?
And are we hopeful about the future we are building together?
The National Pulse is an independent, anonymous survey of Australia’s wellbeing, confidence and lived experience.
We want to hear from hundreds of thousands of Australians—from every state, every generation, every type of community and every political perspective.
Enter your email and we will send you the survey when it opens.
Why it Matters
Laws like this don’t stop at one generation. They set the rules of the road for decades.
Today it’s about locking out kids. Tomorrow it could be adults, with every login tied to a centralised Digital ID system. Once that becomes normal, the government and corporations won’t just know what you do online — they’ll decide what you’re allowed to access.
This isn’t just a tech issue. It strikes at the heart of how Australians live:
Our right to choose how we raise our kids.
Our ability to connect and speak freely.
Our expectation of privacy in everyday life.
When the State takes these choices out of our hands, the fair go disappears. And once powers like this are granted, they’re rarely rolled back.
Conversations That Shape the Debate
Conversations that unpack the legislation, the lived experience and what this means for Australian families.
Stories that cut through
We’ve unpacked the U16 Ban in detail. These short reads break down what’s really happening and why it matters to every Australian.
Add Your Name to the People’s Letter
This law was rushed through before Australians had a say. The government ignored its own trial results and pushed ahead with a plan that puts kids’ data, privacy, and rights at risk.
By signing this letter, you’re standing for common sense, and for the right of families to decide what’s best for their children, not the state.
Our case to Parliament
We’ve taken a stand where it counts — in front of the Senate. Our submission lays out exactly why the U16 Social Media Ban is flawed and what should be done instead.
Key Concerns We Raised:
Exclusionary policy risks – banning platforms won’t stop harm, it just pushes kids into unregulated spaces.
Unresolved trial findings – the Government’s own Age Assurance Technology Trial flagged serious issues with privacy, accuracy and accessibility. Those problems remain unanswered.
Parents stripped of choice – families deserve tools and education, not heavy-handed restrictions that sideline them.
This submission is only one piece of the puzzle. To make Parliament listen, they need to hear from thousands of Australians — including you.
How Can You Stand Up?
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Use our template to put your voice on the record. Every submission counts. The more Australians speak up, the harder it is for Parliament to ignore.
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Talk to your mates, post on social media, and help us get the truth out. The government is counting on most people not paying attention.
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Join our mailing list for campaign updates and next steps. Be part of a growing movement that says “enough” to overreach.
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Your backing helps us create resources, run events, and make sure Australians have the facts. Together we can push back.
FAQs
The eSafety Commissioner says this law is about “keeping kids safe online.” Isn’t that a good thing?
No one argues with safety, but this law doesn’t achieve it. It bans kids from mainstream platforms, pushing them into riskier, hidden spaces where parents have even less oversight. Safety comes from education and parental guidance, not blanket bans.
The legislation promises “simple age checks.” Why is that a problem?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
eSafety Commissioner says the checks will only apply to children. Doesn’t that protect adults?
Once the infrastructure exists, it doesn’t stay limited. Adults will also be forced to prove they’re not children. Overnight, a “kids’ law” becomes the launchpad for a national Digital ID system.
The Government points to its Age Assurance Technology Trial as evidence. Didn’t that prove the system works?
It proved the opposite. The trial flagged major issues with privacy, accuracy, accessibility and accountability. None of those problems have been fixed, yet the law is being pushed through anyway.
The law will be overseen by the eSafety Commissioner. Doesn’t that ensure accountability?
The Commissioner already holds extraordinary powers with little scrutiny. This law hands them even greater authority, without the checks and balances Australians expect in a democracy.
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What’s the better way to keep kids safe online?
Support families instead of sidelining them. Invest in digital literacy programs, provide parents with tools to guide their kids, and strengthen community awareness. Real safety comes from resilience and responsibility, not surveillance and coercion.