Pastoral Care
Supporting Our Young People Through Upcoming Social Media Age Restrictions
As you may have heard, from Wednesday 10 December 2025, many social media platforms will no longer allow Australians under the age of 16 to create or keep an account. These new restrictions are designed to protect young people and to give them time to develop the digital, social and emotional skills needed to navigate online spaces safely and confidently.
Preparing Your Family for the Changes
As parents and carers, it is important to prepare your children by having open and honest conversations about these upcoming restrictions. Talk about how they currently use social media and how these changes might affect them. You know your child best, and every family will have its own approach to being online and using devices.
When discussing the changes, consider your child’s age, developmental stage, emotional readiness and individual needs. Create a safe space for your child to share their thoughts and feelings, and reassure them that their voices are being heard. Emphasise that these restrictions are not a punishment, but a measure to support their wellbeing and safety. You might also draw comparisons with other laws designed to protect young people, such as age limits for driving or accessing certain media.
Encourage a focus on what children can do online, rather than what they cannot. Explore positive digital activities, such as educational websites, creative apps or communication tools that are age-appropriate. It can also be helpful to promote a balance of offline activities that nurture friendships, creativity and resilience.
Reducing Conflict and Building Consistency
These changes may lead to some difficult conversations or disagreements, especially if young people feel they are missing out on social connections. It can help to connect with other parents, friends and community members to share strategies and create consistent expectations across different homes. For example, you might agree on shared guidelines for device use during sleepovers or after school.
Organising group activities or events can also help fill the gap left by reduced screen time. Whether it’s a movie night, sports game, or creative project, shared experiences can help young people feel supported and engaged. Staying connected with other parents allows for open communication about any challenges that arise.
Supporting Children Who May Struggle
Some young people may find losing access to social media particularly difficult, especially if it has been their main way of staying connected or seeking support. Encourage your child to talk about how they are feeling, and let them know that it is okay to find this transition hard.
Keep an eye out for behavioural changes that could indicate they are struggling, such as:
Sudden changes in mood
Avoiding conversations about online activity
Becoming secretive with devices
Withdrawing from usual interests or friendships
Declining school performance
Tiredness, sleep issues or headaches
Changes in eating habits or hygiene
Increased irritability or anger when offline
If you notice several of these signs, it might be time for a gentle check-in or to seek extra support through the school or a trusted professional.
Working Together as a Community
As these changes take effect, it is important that we continue to support one another as a school community. Our young people are growing up in a rapidly changing digital world, and it takes patience, empathy and teamwork to help them navigate it safely. By staying informed, communicating openly and working together, we can help our children develop healthy online habits and feel confident in who they are both on and offline.
If you would like more information or support, please reach out to our Pastoral Care Team. We are here to walk alongside families during this transition and to help our students feel seen, supported and safe.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/conversation-starters
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
The Pastoral Care Team