Supporting Your Child Through the Upcoming Social Media Age Restrictions

Written By Skye Larson

What the new laws mean, why they’re happening, and how families can navigate the change together

From 10 December 2025, Australia will introduce world-first social media age restrictions designed to better protect young people at a critical stage of their development. Under the new laws, major social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping an account.

These changes won’t penalise children or parents. Instead, they place responsibility on the platforms themselves to ensure young users are not exposed to online environments that weren’t built with their safety, developmental needs, or wellbeing in mind.

This shift may feel big, for families and for young people, but it also opens the door to meaningful conversations, connection, and learning.

Why Are These Restrictions Being Introduced?

Social media plays an enormous role in the lives of young Australians. It offers connection, creativity, community, humour, and entertainment — all of which matter. But it also exposes them to risks that can affect their wellbeing.

Research tells us:

  • The average age of first exposure to pornography is around 12 years old, with many children exposed unintentionally at even younger ages.

  • 1 in 5 young people experience online bullying, according to eSafety’s national research.

  • 1 in 4 Australian teens report receiving unwanted or unsafe contact from a stranger online, often facilitated by algorithms and features that encourage interactions with unknown users.

  • Young people using high-engagement apps often spend 2–3 hours more per day online, increasing exposure to body image pressure, comparison culture, and harmful content.

The new age restrictions aim to reduce these pressures by limiting access until young people have greater maturity, emotional regulation, and digital literacy skills.

Which Platforms Will Be Affected?

As of November 2025, the platforms expected to be restricted include:

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick.

This list will continue to be updated by the eSafety Commissioner as the laws come into effect.

The changes apply to platforms where a significant purpose is:

  • enabling online social interaction

  • allowing users to interact with others

  • allowing users to post content

Online gaming platforms and messaging apps are generally excluded — unless they include social-media-style interaction features.

How Will Platforms Enforce the New Rules?

From 10 December 2025, platforms will need to verify a user’s age through methods such as:

  • facial age estimation technology

  • behavioural data

  • ID checks

They will also be required to deactivate existing accounts belonging to users under 16 and provide a simple review process for anyone incorrectly flagged.

Parents and children will not face penalties. Only platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” may face consequences, including fines of up to $49.5 million AUD.

What If My Child Already Has an Account?

Under the new laws, even existing under-16 accounts will not be allowed to remain active. Importantly:

  • There are no grandfathering arrangements.

  • Parental consent will not override the minimum age.

This may feel shocking or frustrating for young people who enjoy using these platforms, especially if their friends are still online. Their feelings are valid, and talking about them now can help ease the transition.

Supporting Your Young Person Emotionally

Change can feel unsettling. Many young people rely on social media for connection, creativity, belonging, and entertainment. Losing access may stir emotions such as anger, sadness, fear of missing out (FOMO), or frustration.

Here are some gentle, open-ended questions to start conversations:

  • “What do you think about the ban?”

  • “What do you enjoy most about social media? What might you miss?”

  • “What parts of social media feel stressful or overwhelming?”

  • “Do you think younger kids are safer with these changes?”

  • “Which platforms do you think should or shouldn’t be included?”

Tips for constructive conversations:

  • Avoid rigid or dismissive phrases like “It’s for your own good.”

  • Validate their feelings — even if you see things differently.

  • Be curious about what they say are the positives.

  • Take FOMO seriously — time moves differently for teens.

  • Invite them to show you the apps, creators, and communities they enjoy.

What Parents Can Do to Help

Even with a minimum age in place, young people will still need support navigating their online and offline worlds.

You can:

✔ Learn about the platforms they use or are curious about
✔ Understand online harms and how to report them
✔ Keep communication open
✔ Encourage a healthy balance of screen and off-screen time
✔ Help them discover other safe online spaces (e.g., creative apps, hobby forums, safe gaming communities)

A Chance to Strengthen Connection

These changes won’t magically move young people offline, nor should they. But they do give families an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect about how social media shapes the lives of children and teens.

With curiosity, empathy, and open communication, families can navigate this shift in a way that strengthens trust, understanding, and resilience.

Helpful Resources

eSafety Commissioner (Government) – Social Media Age Restrictions Hub

Latest updates on which platforms are restricted, and guidance for families.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/social-media-age-restrictions

eSafety Parents – Guides, Conversations, Online Risks

Practical tips for talking to kids about online safety across all ages.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

eHeadspace (for teens aged 12–25 & families)

Free online mental health support if your young person is struggling with change.
https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

Raising Children Network – Digital media safety

Evidence-based, Australian parenting advice on technology, development & wellbeing.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology

Kids Helpline (24/7 counselling for ages 5–25)

Phone, webchat & email counselling for young people.
https://kidshelpline.com.au
📞 1800 55 1800

Skye Larson
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