Key Points
- Australia is introducing social media restrictions for young Australians under 16 years of age from 10 December 2025.
- Social media platforms—not parents—are responsible for enforcing age checks.
- Open conversations can help children manage the emotional impact of the changes.
- Parents can support teens by planning alternative ways to stay connected and preparing for account changes.
The eSafety Commissioner is spearheading new regulations aimed at safeguarding individuals under the age of 16 from the various pressures and potential risks associated with social media usage. These changes are being introduced as a protective measure, ensuring young users have a safer online experience.
Social media companies are now expected to implement age-assurance technology, which will help estimate the age of users. Despite these new restrictions, young people will still have access to publicly available content on certain platforms, including YouTube and TikTok. This approach allows them to engage with media while minimizing exposure to potential harm.
Dr. Catherine Page Jeffery, a senior lecturer specializing in media and communications at the University of Sydney, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the significant role social media plays in young people’s lives. For many teenagers, these platforms are not just communication tools but central to their social interactions, interest sharing, and identity formation. By understanding this, parents can better support their children, ensuring they feel understood rather than dismissed.
It’s important to note that the onus for compliance does not fall on parents or children but squarely on the social media platforms themselves. There are no penalties for young users or their guardians if an under-16 individual maintains an account post-implementation. This approach places responsibility on companies to create a safer digital environment.
Dr Catherine Page Jeffery, a senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney, says parents should begin by acknowledging how significant social media is in young people’s lives. Many teens use platforms as their primary way to talk with friends, share interests and build identity. Recognising this helps children feel heard rather than dismissed.
The responsibility falls on the platforms themselves. There are no penalties for parents or children if an under-sixteen still has an account after the start date. Source: iStockphoto / Dragon Claws/Getty Images
Parents can start the conversation by asking:
- How do you feel about the upcoming changes?
- What worries you the most?
- What do you think might be difficult?
This creates space for honesty and helps young people feel supported rather than controlled.
How can my child stay connected?
Options might include:
- Messaging apps are not covered by the ban
- More regular in-person catch-ups
- Group chats on platforms are still accessible without accounts
- Encouraging participation in community, cultural or school activities
For some young people—especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ communities, rural areas or living with disability—online spaces offer a connection they may not easily find offline. Supporting them to build multiple avenues of connection can help reduce feelings of loss.
Social media companies will be required to take reasonable steps to stop people under 16 from having accounts on their platforms. Source: iStockphoto / Ekkasit Jokthong/Getty Images
How do I support my child if they feel isolated?
Some teens may feel upset, anxious or cut off from peers. Parents can:
- Validate their emotions (“It makes sense you feel this way.”)
- Remind them they’re not losing friendships—only shifting how they connect.
- Help identify which peers they want to stay in touch with most.
- Create opportunities for safe, supervised online spaces recommended by experts, such as Kids Helpline’s My Circle or Beyond Blue forums.
Leo Hede, a manager from Kids Helpline, also suggests building open communication and trust with your children. This means reassuring them they can come to you if something goes wrong online—without fear of getting in trouble.
Parents shouldn’t be dismissive of their children’s feelings. Source: iStockphoto / Antonio_Diaz/Getty Images
What practical steps should I take before accounts close?
Parents and young people can work together to prepare:
- Save photos, videos, chats and online memories from existing accounts.
- List the friends they want to stay in contact with and decide how to reach them
- Explore alternative apps and safe online communities.
- Set boundaries for device use that still allow for connection and wellbeing
Even if accounts are not immediately removed, preparing early can reduce stress.
Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking with their children about online life. Credit: Johner Images/Getty Images/Johner RF
What do I need to do after the ban starts?
Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking with their children about online life. Risks exist across the internet, not just on social media, so supporting digital wellbeing remains essential.
But even after the ban takes effect, parents do still need to be continuing the conversations with their children about online safety, about online risks, because a lot of the online risks are not just on social media.
Dr Catherine Page Jeffery, senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney.
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