On Monday 24 August, a group of QMC senior students attended a media event at Parliament, alongside students from other invited schools, to witness the Prime Minister announce proposed legislation relating to social media use by under-16s and to explore the role of media, government and public debate firsthand. The students were accompanied by Principal Jayne-Ann Young and Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, Holly Payne.

The students who attended were from three subject areas: IB Global Politics, Year 11 Politics, and Year 11 News and Journalism. As well as having the opportunity to visit Parliament and witness one of the week's most significant announcements firsthand, the experience provided the students with a valuable real-world learning opportunity aligned with their studies. They were able to observe the role of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and news media, ask questions, and see how public policy is communicated and debated.

Most importantly, they were invited to contribute their own perspectives. Drawing on their experiences, research, habits and understanding of social media, the students thoughtfully shared their views with journalists and policymakers. Some even saw their comments featured in television news coverage.

Whatever their personal views on the proposal, students valued the opportunity to engage with a topic that directly affects their generation and to see how public policy is discussed, reported, and scrutinised. As a follow-up learning activity, students were asked to reflect on what they had heard at the event and compare it with how the announcement was portrayed in television, radio and other news coverage. This encouraged them to consider the role of journalism in reporting public policy, whether they felt the coverage accurately reflected what they had witnessed, and how it felt to be part of a public conversation. Students were also reassured throughout the process that all journalists sought permission before recording or interviewing them, and they understood that their contributions could appear on television, radio or other media platforms.

At QMC, we believe in nurturing informed, curious and confident young women who can think critically, challenge perspectives respectfully, engage with complex issues, and develop their own evidence-based opinions. Opportunities like this allow students to better understand how decisions are made and how their voices can contribute to important conversations that affect their generation and those who will follow in their footsteps.

Queen Margaret College does not advocate for, endorse, or pursue any political party, policy position, or political agenda. Participation in this event was an educational opportunity that supported our students’ learning in civic literacy, critical thinking, media awareness and exercising student voice.