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Narrandera High School Newsletter
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Social Media Age Restrictions

New Social Media Age Restrictions

Starting 10th December 2025

 

From 10 December 2025, Australian law will introduce new age restrictions that prevent children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts on many popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

 

These changes aim to protect our students from the pressures and risks associated with social media use at a young age. Platforms often use design features — such as constant notifications, disappearing content, and algorithm-driven feeds — that encourage excessive screen time and can expose young people to upsetting or harmful material. Research has linked these features to increased stress, poorer sleep, and difficulties with concentration.

It is important to note that this is a delay, not a ban. Children under 16 will still be able to view publicly available content without logging in, but they will not be able to create or maintain social media accounts on the affected platforms until they turn 16. This measure is designed to give families time to help young people build the digital, social, and emotional skills needed to navigate social media safely when they are older.

 

We understand this may bring about a variety of feelings in your child — including frustration or worry — and some young people might even increase their social media use ahead of the changes. I encourage you to have open and calm conversations with your child about these new laws, what they mean, and how to prepare for them.

 

Here are some suggestions to support your child:

 

  • Listen with empathy and acknowledge their feelings.
  • Ask how they currently use social media.
  • Explain that these restrictions are in place to protect their wellbeing, not to punish.
  • Talk about the risks these laws aim to reduce, such as screen overuse and exposure to harmful content.
  • Focus on what they can still do online and offline to stay connected and engaged.
  • Reassure them that they can always come to you or another trusted adult for support.

  • Remember that ongoing conversations are more helpful than a single big talk.

     

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has developed helpful resources, including conversation starters and guides to help families prepare. I encourage you to explore these tools and use them to support your child during this transition.

For more information can be found at these websites: