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Cyber Safety 

CYBER SAFTEY 

 

Cyber safety reminder:  The legal minimum age to hold a social media account in Australia is 16 years old.

At Ocean Grove Primary School, we are committed to partner with families to support our students’ safety, wellbeing, and digital citizenship.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to cyber safety, we want to share important reminders regarding young children and social media. You may be aware that under Australian law via the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, the legal minimum age to hold a social media account in Australia is 16 years old.

 

Because of this law, no primary school-aged student should have their own profile or account on restricted social media platforms.

Which platforms are restricted?

The eSafety Commissioner's Age Restrictions Guide confirms that platforms requiring users to be 16 or older include:

 

  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube (holding an active personal account)
  • Facebook

  • Threads and X (formerly Twitter)

     

Note: While platforms like YouTube Kids, Roblox, and messaging-only apps like WhatsApp are not classified under the same strict under-16 account ban, they still require close parental supervision.

 

Why are these restrictions in place?

 

Primary school students are still developing critical thinking and emotional resilience. Major social media platforms are designed with complex algorithms that pose specific risks to younger children, including:

 

  • Inappropriate Content: High risk of accidental exposure to adult themes, mature language, or cyberbullying.
  • Digital Footprint: Children do not fully comprehend that posts, photos, and comments can become permanent digital records.

  • Sleep and Wellbeing: The highly engaging design of these apps can easily disrupt sleep routines, homework, and outdoor play.

     

How you can support your child at home

 

  1. Check Their Devices: Check if apps like TikTok or Instagram have been downloaded to your child’s phone or tablet.
  2. Use Parental Controls: Apply family pairing and strict privacy settings to block age-inappropriate app downloads.
  3. Talk Openly: Discuss online safety as a family. Emphasise that these age limits exist to protect them, not to punish them.

  4. Explore Safer Alternatives: Encourage safer, age-appropriate alternatives for digital entertainment, such as YouTube Kids or supervised educational platforms.

     

While tech platforms face heavy penalties for failing to enforce these age blocks, there are no fines or penalties for children or parents. The responsibility falls on all of us to mentor children through a healthy digital childhood.

 

For excellent, practical family toolkits, conversation guides, and safety advice, please visit the eSafety Commissioner Parents Hub.

 

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe online and preventing social issues and fallout between friendships when things are miscommunicated online.