The Under 16s Social Media Delay

Social Media Delay Begins Next Week

From Wednesday 10th December 2025, a new law requires age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having a social media account.

In simple terms - Anyone under 16 in Australia won’t be able to keep or create accounts on social media apps from December 10 2025. This law is intended to target social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook and YouTube.

We know this change is significant for so many in our community, and we want to acknowledge the very real mix of feelings it may bring - relief for some, worry for others, and everything else inbetween. Our staff at Truganina College are here and ready to support you and your child every step of the way.

What We Know So Far

The Victorian Government’s new requirements aim to:

Reduce online harms, bullying and unsafe contact.
Support young people to focus on learning and wellbeing during the school day.
Encourage healthier habits around screen time and device use.

The ban applies to:

All social media platforms for children under 16
Use at school, in public, and at home.
Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring compliance - similar to age limits on other activities.

As of 21 November 2025, it is eSafety's view that Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit are age-restricted platforms. This list will continue to be updated prior to 10 December.

Find the latest details about which platforms are age-restricted.

How We’re Supporting Students at School

Over the next few weeks, our focus will be on education, confidence and wellbeing. Some discussions that may take place in your child's class may include:

Discussions about digital safety and healthy online habits.
Helping students understand why the changes are happening.
Supporting them with strategies for staying connected to friends in safe ways.
Providing reassurance and space for students who feel uncertain or overwhelmed.

Our staff understand that every child’s relationship with technology is different. We are committed to responding with empathy and consistency to help them navigate these changes.

Aligning with this change, school-based learning in 2026 will take place on college-managed devices only - removing the need for students to bring their own devices.

Student Tips! How to Stay Connected Without Social Media

These ideas come from real conversations with young people who get what it’s like to suddenly lose apps you’ve used every day:

“Plan actual meet-ups instead of chatting online.”

Walk to school together in the mornings, meet at the park on Saturdays, sit together at lunch, join the same clubs.

“Talk more at school - it ends up being funnier anyway.”

Students have said that once they get over the awkward bit, catching up face-to-face feels more real and less stressful than keeping up with messages.

“Swap hobbies instead of memes.”

Lots of kids shared that doing things together gave them more to talk about, like:

drawing
sport
cooking
gaming
building playlists
watching shows and talking about them in person

“Use old-school ways to talk - it’s actually kind of fun.”

Believe it or not, students mentioned:

notes
letters
shared journals or scrapbooks

A little retro but super wholesome.

“Join after-school activities so you see people outside class.”

Sports, art clubs, homework club - anything that puts you in the same space as your friends.

“Tell your friends how you want to stay in touch.”

Students said it helps to be clear: “Hey, I won’t be on Instagram anymore. Can we talk at school or walk home together to catch up?"

Most friends are totally fine with it - they’re all going through the same thing.

“If you’re feeling left out, tell an adult you trust.”

Kids said the worst part is feeling like everyone else is still talking without them. Asking for help early makes a massive difference.

“Remember that everyone is in the same boat.”

This came up over and over - students feel way less stressed knowing it’s not “just them.”

Parent Tips! What You Can Do As A Parent/Carer/Guardian

Talk about it early: Have open conversations about how your child feels about the change - even if the feelings are big or mixed.
Keep it Calm and Clear: Establish what routines and boundaries look like for your family around device use.
Offer Alternatives for Staying Connected: Encourage children to engage in offline hobbies and activities like joining clubs or spending time with friends in person. The goal is to foster real-world connections and a balanced lifestyle with new offline interests. These alternatives will all vary between families and will look different for each student.
Expect Some Pushback: Change is uncomfortable, and that's okay. Support the feeling, not the behaviour. Assure your child that this is not about taking things away, but about protecting them and helping them thrive.
Reach Out If Things Get Hard: We’re more than happy to help with conversation starters, routines, or support strategies.

If you’re unsure how to approach conversations at home, please reach out to us at Truganina College - we can share parent/carer/guardian scripts, family activities, information, tips, FAQs and online safety resources.

Reporting Concerns

Serious online abuse is when the internet is used to send, post or share content that is likely to harm the physical or mental health of the person targeted.

If your child experiences something online that worries them, please contact:

Your child’s classroom teacher
Year Level Assistant Principal or Wellbeing Lead
School Office via Email or Phone

For serious online harm, families can make a formal report at any time via the eSafety Commissioner (Australia) or report online crimes to the police on the ReportCyber website.

Relevant Truganina College Policies

All Policies implemented at Truganina College can always be found on our website, below are the policies that directly align with this new law:

We Know This Is a Big Shift

Every family will approach this differently, and that’s okay. Some young people will adjust quickly, while others will need time, reassurance and kindness.

Our school community has always navigated big changes together, and this will be no different. Please remember that you are not alone, and we are here to support you and your child through this transition in a way that is:

Respectful
Compassionate
Practical
Focused on wellbeing

As schools get more official details, we’ll pass them straight on to you.

If you have any questions, concerns or simply want to talk through what this means for your child, please contact us.

Cassidy Marsh

Communications and Engagement Strategist