Safe On Socials 

Social Media Minimum Age Law – What can we do to reduce the impact? 

In a month, the age delay kicks in. For many families, that means TikTok and others go dark. For a generation of kids who’ve grown up dancing, lip-syncing, creating and sharing online, it might feel like something’s being taken away.   

But here’s what’s not being banned: The music. The movement. The joy of being silly, being seen, being together.  Music and movement are how kids (and adults) let things out without having to explain. They help regulate emotion, build trust, and give kids a way to feel like themselves again. Especially when everything else feels a bit shaky. None of that disappears with the social media age delay. If anything, this is a chance to bring it closer to home.   

The app access will shift. That’s the nature of it. But kids still need rhythm. Still need to move their bodies, blow off steam, laugh with their friends, and feel connected. That doesn’t need a screen it needs space and a bit of imagination. So here’s what we can do.   

Let music become part of the everyday again. A song in the morning to set the tone. A family dance off while dinner’s on. Let kids DJ their moods. Let them teach you their latest routine no cameras, just company. 

Give the little ones chalk to draw a hopscotch in the driveway. Let them drag the speaker outside. Let your teens claim the garage as a dance floor or a jam session room.   

If they used to film videos with friends, help them find ways to keep the creativity going an old film camera from a market for example. Offline doesn’t mean alone.   

Teachers and youth workers: build music and movement into the day. Not as a reward. As a right. Kids need ways to move stress through their bodies. They need spaces where they can be expressive without performing.   

Parents/carers/grandparents: get in there too. Dance badly. Sing out of tune. Make it fun. Make it real. 

The ban might close one door, but it’s also a good chance to open others. Less about rules, more about rhythm. Less about control, more about connection because even without the apps, kids still know how to move. Still know how to feel. Still want to be part of something bigger than themselves so let’s make sure they can. You can still film and you can still create. You can still laugh till your ribs hurt or you cry. You just don’t need to post it to prove it. 

For further ideas check out:  

One Month Until The Australian Age Delay and Here is What We Still Get to Keep