Student Wellbeing
Preparing for Social Media Restrictions
Preparing for Social Media Restrictions
From 10 December 2025, many social media platforms won’t be allowed to let young Australians under the age of 16 create or keep an account. This is to protect them from design features that encourage them to spend too much time online and over-expose them to content that can harm their health and wellbeing.
Many parents and carers have mixed feelings about delaying access to social media accounts; they’re also concerned about under-16s being cut off from their friends and support networks.
eSafety has an updated list of which platforms are to be age-restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Platforms that do not currently meet the criteria for ‘age-restricted social media platform’ and are therefore not age-restricted include Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.
Importantly, be aware of adult access to platforms such as Roblox that children predominantly use. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the world-leading codes and standards are designed to raise safety standards across the entire online system.
“We know that when it comes to platforms that are popular with children, they also become popular with adult predators seeking to prey on them,” Ms Inman Grant said. “Roblox is no exception and has become a popular target for those seeking to groom children." Roblox has committed to introducing new safety measures by the end of 2025, following concerns raised by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner
Technology changes quickly, so the list of restricted platforms is subject to change. It is recommended that parents and carers view the eSafety website. To help young people and families prepare, the eSafety online hub offers helpful resources and will host free webinars to provide information and answer questions.
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader