South Australia is once again stepping onto the national stage as a leader in child safety and digital wellbeing, with the SA Government announcing a major new investment to help families delay smartphone use among children. Backed by $6.5 million in state funding, the Wait Mate program will be rolled out to every public and private school, reshaping how young people engage with technology and giving parents the confidence to hold firm.
The initiative builds on South Australia’s momentum as a global frontrunner in youth digital protections. After implementing one of the country’s most comprehensive mobile phone bans in schools, and commissioning world-first model legislation for a national minimum age for social media, the State Government is now turning its focus to social norms around smartphone ownership. Wait Mate works by empowering parents to take a united approach, providing presentations, resources and an online pledge system to help families delay children’s first smartphones. When ten families at a school commit, a dedicated email community is activated, helping them stay connected and resist peer pressure.
The program will be offered to every primary school in 2026–27 and every high school in 2027–28, supported by a strong state-wide communications campaign that backs parents during the tricky transition into adolescence. For many families, the challenge isn’t just technology itself but the cultural expectations surrounding it—something Wait Mate is designed to dismantle.
Research behind the initiative is compelling. A 2017 landmark study highlighted that the mere presence of a smartphone—not even in use—can reduce working memory, attention span and problem-solving skills. Other studies reveal clear, long-term links between early smartphone ownership and poorer mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep and challenges with social relationships. With smartphones also acting as a gateway to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive algorithms, delaying access is emerging as one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard childhood.
With the national minimum age for social media access beginning this Wednesday 10 December, the pressure is shifting from parents to platforms, with companies required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young people under 16 from accessing social media. For South Australian schools, the State Government’s “off and away” mobile phone policy is already delivering results, with a 72 per cent decline in mobile-phone-related incidents in Terms 1 and 2 of 2025.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said: “It is a big week for our state and our nation… Parents can change this, by standing strong together and delaying smartphones, for the benefit of their kids.”
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said: “South Australia has been leading the nation in protecting our young people… Wait Mate provides families with the impetus to help their children through this transition away from social media.”
SA Wait Mate Lead Emily Harrison said: “Parents don’t need more rules – they need community… When government, schools and families work together, we can create healthier digital habits for an entire generation.”
