Turning Headlines into Impact: How the Outdoor Industry Can Help Fill the After-School Gap IN 2026

The Outdoor Council of Australia’s recent media release on the role of outdoor activity in a post–social media restriction setting is gaining traction across local news platforms — and that visibility matters. But media coverage alone isn’t enough. To create real change for young Australians, we now need the outdoor industry to help amplify the message and turn attention into action.

For the first time in more than a decade, children and young people under 16 are navigating after-school hours without access to social media. This creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the outdoor industry. Outdoor activity, nature-based play and guided experiences can provide the social connection, confidence-building and wellbeing support that many young people have been relying on digital platforms to deliver.

Why this message matters now

The conversation sparked by the social media restrictions is not just about screen time — it’s about what replaces it. The Outdoor Council of Australia has been clear in its position: safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor activities can fill this gap in ways that directly support mental health, physical wellbeing and positive peer connection.

Across Australia, there are thousands of organisations already delivering before- and after-school programs, weekend activities, camps and community-based experiences. What’s needed now is stronger visibility, clearer pathways for families, and coordinated advocacy to ensure governments continue to invest in outdoor opportunities for young people.

How the outdoor industry can help amplify the message

This is where industry leadership is critical. Every operator, organisation and peak body has a role to play in reinforcing the message that outdoor activity is part of the solution.

Here are practical ways you can help:

• Share the story locally

  Repost OCA media coverage through your own channels — newsletters, social media, websites and community noticeboards. Add a local lens by highlighting the programs you already deliver after school or on weekends.

• Speak directly to families

  Use your platforms to reassure parents that outdoor programs provide safe, structured and inclusive environments where young people can connect offline. Make it clear how families can access your activities, including any relevant voucher schemes in your state.

• Engage with local media and councils

  Local stories matter. Reach out to your local newspaper, radio station or council to talk about how your organisation is supporting young people during this transition. OCA messaging provides a strong, nationally consistent narrative you can build on.

• Support advocacy for investment

  OCA is calling for increased investment in workforce development and the creation of more than 200,000 student outdoor experiences by 2029. Industry voices help demonstrate that this investment is not aspirational — it is achievable, scalable and already happening on the ground. Ask your local member to support OCA's 2026-2027 pre-budget submission.

A shared opportunitY

The current public conversation presents a rare alignment of policy, media interest and community need. As a sector, we often talk about prevention, wellbeing and early intervention — this is the moment to show how outdoor experiences deliver on those outcomes every day.

By amplifying consistent messages, showcasing local impact and reinforcing the value of outdoor participation, the outdoor industry can help ensure young Australians don’t just lose something — they gain something better.

If you’re already delivering programs that support young people, now is the time to tell that story. Together, we can turn national headlines into lasting community impact.