Social Media Age Restrictions
From 10 December, Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. This is not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts.
Being logged into an account increases the exposure under-16s have to design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing. The delay is an opportunity for them to build their digital literacy skills and resilience.
Information and resources to support parents and carers, and young people to prepare for the change are available at eSafety's Social media age restrictions hub.
Here are three things you can do:
Read eSafety’s frequently asked questions for parents and carers to find out what’s changing and why.
Use the eSafety Get ready guide for parents and carers, and conversation starters to start preparing for the change.
The eSafety Commissioner advises that parents and carers can help their under-16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how that may be impacted by the new law.
Note: There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers. Penalties will apply to age-restricted platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts on their platforms.