How to support your child under 16 with the new social media age restrictions
From 10 December 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will require social media platforms to:
- prevent children and young people under 16 from having a social media account
- deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by people under 16.
Delaying access to social media protects the health and wellbeing of young people and gives them extra time to build real world connections and digital literacy skills.
The responsibility will be on the social media platforms, not parents, carers, children or schools, to implement these new restrictions.
Most popular social media platforms will be age restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube.
Messaging services and online games, as well as apps and platforms that support health and education, can still be used.
How to help under 16s prepare for the change
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online.
To help get under 16s ready for the social media minimum age requirements, you can go to the eSafety website to learn more about the social media age restrictions and find tips on how to talk about social media age restrictions with young people.
What the change means for our school
At our school, most age-restricted social media platforms are blocked for student use on the school network. Our school allows student access to YouTube in a logged-out state. However, this access is restricted so mature content cannot be viewed.
To keep up to date about the new social media age restrictions, visit the eSafety website and subscribe to their newsletter.
Social media age restrictions are now in effect
Age-restricted social media platforms must now take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts. The delay aims to give young people time to build skills in digital literacy and critical thinking, to help prepare them for access to accounts when they’re 16.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Age-restricted platforms will have different approaches to complying with the legislation. Some have already communicated with under 16 users, while others may take longer. Check the eSafety guide for links to the information platforms provided about how they will comply.
- Check in on your under-16 and try to support them through the change. Let them know that help and support is available if they need it.
- Remind them that if they have a harmful experience online, they should reach out for support – even if they're under 16 and it happens on social media. They won’t get in trouble.
Remember, the platforms are responsible for complying with the law. Under-16s who manage to get around it won’t get into trouble if they’re caught.
Our Social Media Age Restrictions Hub has FAQs, videos, and information to help you feel confident and prepared to work through the changes with your under-16 - while they stay connected and have fun online.