Cyber Safety

Supporting Our Youngest Digital Citizens: Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age

Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires social media companies to block children under 16 from creating accounts.

Because primary school students are well under the 16-year age threshold, this law provides clear guidance and extra backing for primary families in Victoria. Below is a breakdown of what this means for our school community and how you can support your child at home.

What Primary School Families Need to Know

The Responsibility Is on Tech Platforms: The law places the burden solely on social media companies to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. There are no fines or penalties for parents or children.
No Parental Waivers: Parents cannot sign a waiver or give permission for an under-16 child to hold an account on restricted platforms.
Restricted Platforms: Popular social apps designed for algorithmic feeds and public interaction—including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and Reddit—are restricted.
Services Children Can Still Use: Educational platforms, health tools, messaging services, and video games are exempt. Tools like Google Classroom, YouTube Kids, and WhatsApp remain available for family and school use.

Simple Ways to Support Your Child

Focus on Open Conversations: Discuss how online tools work and why age limits exist to protect young privacy and safety, framing it as a healthy digital boundary.
Encourage Real-World Connections: Support balanced routines by prioritising playdates, weekend sports, hobbies, and creative offline activities.
Set Healthy Household Habits: Keep bedroom spaces screens-free at night and set clear times during the day for offline family activity.
Explore the eSafety Guide: The eSafety Commissioner offers practical advice, app reviews, and conversation starters specifically tailored for parents of primary-aged children at esafety.gov.au/parents.

Warm regards,

Angela Walsh

Deputy Principal