Self-esteem, belonging and resilience for every teenager.
36 Months is a movement for healthy teen development, without the influence of social media, focused on the 36 months between 13 and 16. We were the catalyst behind the new social media legislation in Australia. We rallied more than 127,000 petition signatures to raise the age of social media citizenship by 36 months, from 13 - 16.
In less than 6 months, we achieved systemic change that will improve the way young people experience growing up for generations to come. As other countries take note of this world leading legislation, our movement expands.
Why 16?
Kids need more time to develop healthy and secure identities before they’re exposed to the minefield of social media. There is a direct correlation between the rise in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide amongst teenagers and the introduction of social media into their world. The situation is so bad that to keep the status quo while we work on more nuanced remedies is negligent.
At 13, children are not yet ready to navigate online social networks safely. These years are crucial for them to develop a secure sense of self alongside social confidence. Social media makes this harder, not easier. Most parents seem to agree, social media is not helping.
Each notification, like, or comment triggers a dopamine release, creating a reward loop that keeps teenagers engaged and returning for more. The anticipation of receiving these rewards and the pleasure derived from them can make social media usage addictive and difficult to resist.
What Platforms?
The components of social media that qualify a service for greater regulation are: Gamified online interaction that makes using the service highly addictive; Algorithms that target vulnerabilities and feed unhealthy obsessions; The ability for users to share and receive commentary from an open social network, allowing online bullying to grow in the shadows of the service. Popular social media apps that fall within this criteria are Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook.
We’re urging governments around the world to change policy and raise the threshold for social media citizenship. This means delaying the age teenagers can sign up for social media accounts from 13 to 16 - 36 Months.
Our national petitions are a call to action for parents, teachers and community leaders around the world. The custodians of healthy teen development who still believe that an intentional 36 months, could change a lifetime.
Supported by
Co-Founders
36 Months is the brainchild of co-founders Michael Wipfli aka Wippa, co-host of the Fitzy, Wippa & Kate Ritchie breakfast show on Nova 96.9 Sydney; and Rob Galluzzo, founder of film production company FINCH.
