Wellbeing

New Age Restrictions for Social Media Accounts – What Parents Need to Know

From mid-December 2025, Australian children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on certain social media platforms. This includes Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, among others. Online gaming platforms and standalone messaging apps are not affected by the new rules.

It’s important to note that this is not a ban, but rather a delay to having a personal account. The aim is to give young people more time to develop important skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, impulse control and resilience before engaging with these platforms.

Being logged into a social media account can increase the likelihood of children experiencing pressures and risks that are difficult to manage, such as:

• The constant pressure to respond to notifications and alerts

• Exposure to content that may negatively affect their health and wellbeing

   

By delaying account access until 16, the hope is to reduce these risks and support healthier online habits.

How parents and carers can help Parents and carers play a key role in preparing children for this change. eSafety recommends:

• Lead with empathy and understanding – listen to your child’s feelings about the change.
• Ask how they currently use social media and what it means for them.
• Explain that the new rules are protections, not punishments.
• Discuss the potential harms the law is trying to avoid – such as over-use, harmful content, and the impact on sleep, stress levels, attention and wellbeing.
• Validate their emotions and offer reassurance.
• Explore safe, age-appropriate alternatives for connecting with friends, expressing themselves, and finding fun or educational activities online.

• Remind them they can always talk to you or another trusted adult if they have concerns.

   

For more information, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website: Social Media Age Restrictions – FAQs