ICT Update 

Please read the information regarding our online safety  hub.

It is timely to discuss with your child the Social Media Ban implemented from December this year.

From December 2025, Australia will introduce a new minimum age of 16 for using most social media platforms. Its goal is to reduce online harm to young people by holding social media platforms more accountable for who uses their services.

Some ideas for opening up the conversation…

1. Talk early about what’s changing

Ask your child, “Have you heard about the new age limit for social media?” Give them time to share how they feel and what they’re worried about.

2. Review current accounts together

Sit down and look through their existing apps or profiles. Talk about what might need to change and how they’d like to handle it.

3. Make a plan for staying connected

Help your child choose safe, age-appropriate ways to stay in touch with friends, like messaging apps or family-approved chat options.

4. Discuss the risks of getting around the rules

Explain why using someone else’s ID or downloading VPNs might seem like an easy fix, but can lead to bigger problems. Keep the tone supportive.

5. Keep teaching safety skills

Even if your child is stepping away from certain platforms, continue to build their skills for privacy, kindness and help-seeking in all online spaces.

(headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd 2025)