Social Media - changes to access for under 16s

The minimum age regulatory Framework decoded ...

The Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) legislation was passed in 2024. With the release of the regulatory framework, the expectations are now visible and unambiguous.

Here’s what it means in practice:

If a child under 16 is using an “age-restricted” social media platform, that platform must remove their account.
If a child tries to create an account, the platform must stop them before they get through the sign-up process.
If a removed user tries to create a new account, the platform must detect and block that too.

This applies to Australian children who are ordinarily resident in Australia. Not tourists. Not short-term visitors. This is about kids who live here.

December 10th is not a finish line. It’s the start.

The release of this framework means schools and families need to prepare. Thousands of children under 16 will lose access to their social media accounts in December. Some will be relieved. Some will be angry. Many will be caught off guard.

Below are just some of the questions:

What happens to my existing account if I’m under 16? Platforms are expected to detect and remove or deactivate under-16 accounts from 10 December 2025 and stop fast re-sign-ups. You should get notice, export options, and support links.

What’s the difference between deactivation and deletion?

• Deactivation – account paused or disabled, data kept for possible reactivation.

• Deletion – account and content permanently removed (often after a short deactivation period).You must be told how to download your data first.

I’m nearly 16 – will they let me keep it until my birthday?

Probably not. The rule applies on 10 December regardless of birthdays. Some platforms may suspend rather than delete, but plan to download your data and expect a break.

Can I keep my username or handle for later?

That’s up to each platform. The law doesn’t guarantee name-holding; it only requires data-download and fair communication.

What if someone reports my account as underage to get me banned?

Platforms must have easy reporting tools but also filters to stop fake or malicious reports. You should receive confirmation and an explanation if action is taken, plus an option to appeal.

What if the platform makes a mistake?

You should be told what happened and given time to appeal or prove your age. If they don’t offer you a path to fix it, you can report it to the eSafety Commissioner. But remember eSafety doesn’t restore accounts directly but checks that platforms are being fair system-wide.

What if I use a VPN?

VPNs hide your real location, but platforms must detect and block them. They can see signals like IP changes and proxy servers. If they think you’re in Australia and under 16, they must act.

What about using a parent’s account?

Sharing a parent or carer’s account can backfire. The account legally belongs to the adult, and anything posted or sent could be seen as their action. If harmful or illegal content is uploaded, they could be held responsible. It also confuses age checks and can block your future appeals and affect their (and your) digital footprints.

Can parents just give permission for me to stay?

No. The law sets a firm minimum age of 16. Parental consent doesn’t override it.

What Counts as an “Age-Restricted Social Media Platform”?

Any platform where:

Social interaction is a key purpose
Users can follow, friend, tag, message or comment on each other
Users can post content (videos, photos, stories, etc.)

This covers the platforms you’re thinking of TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, but also any new or emerging service that fits the same risk profile.

How Will Platforms Know Who’s Under 16?

The framework makes it clear: platforms must move beyond self-declaration and install age assurance systems tools that estimate, verify, or infer a person’s age.

These systems can include:

Facial age estimation (e.g. to estimate age using AI)

Behavioural inference (e.g. looking at content patterns, language, login times)
Date of birth checks against verifiable data (e.g. from a device or app store)
Multi-step ‘successive validation’—starting with light checks and escalating only where needed

What Happens to the Kids?

The guidance requires accounts to be removed with kindness, care, and clear communication. That includes:

Notifying the child before removal
Offering a way to download their data
Giving them a path to challenge the decision if they believe it’s wrong

This is not about punishment. It’s about protection. And platforms must build wellbeing resources, review options, and transparent messaging into the process.

What Happens If Platforms Don’t Comply?

The penalties are severe. Fines of up to $49.5 million. Public exposure. Court orders.

Non-compliance won’t be judged on whether a handful of underage users slip through. It will be judged on whether the platform can demonstrate it took reasonable, evidence-based steps to comply.

For more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/regulatory-guidance#social-media-minimum-age

Drive Safe, Arrive Safe

School Zone Safety Reminder 🚗

As we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students, we’d like to remind all parents, carers, and visitors of the importance of safe driving in and around school zones.

⏰ School Zone Times

School zones in NSW are active from 8:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm on school days. During these times, the speed limit is strictly 40 km/h, unless otherwise signposted.

🚫 Common Offences in School Zones

Please be aware of the following offences, which carry significant penalties, especially in school zones:

Speeding – Heavier fines and demerit points apply in school zones.
Illegal U-turns and dangerous manoeuvres – Especially near crossings or driveways.
Double parking or stopping in a ‘No Stopping’ zone – This can block the view of students crossing the road.
Using a mobile phone while driving – Mobile phone use is prohibited unless completely hands-free.
Failing to give way to pedestrians at crossings – Especially vital during pick-up and drop-off times.

🛑 Let’s Work Together

We ask all members of our school community to:

Obey all road signs and crossing supervisors
Be patient and courteous to other road users
Model safe behaviour for our students

Attached is a flyer from NSW Police with helpful information to support the safety of our students and wider community. Thank you for your ongoing support. 

The Resilience Project