Digital Technology

The Ban That Could Save Our Kids’ Childhood

Dr Justin Coulson - PODCAST

From December 10, kids under 16 will no longer be allowed to hold social media accounts in Australia. It’s a world-first move that has parents divided, teens anxious and platforms on edge. In this episode, they break down what the ban really means for your family, how it will actually be enforced, and why it might be the biggest parenting shift of the decade.

KEY POINTS:

• What the new minimum age legislation actually does (and doesn’t do)
• How platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat will change for under-16s
• Why the responsibility sits with tech giants—not parents or kids
• The staggering fines for platforms that fail to comply
• Why strong parental vigilance is still essential, even with new safeguards
• How families can prepare for the “cold turkey” social media cut-off

“Legislation can move the needle, but it won’t change everything. That’s up to us as parents.” - Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Start conversations now—help your kids understand what’s coming.
2. Plan alternatives for staying connected with friends offline.
3. Revisit your family’s screen rules—this is the perfect reset moment.
4. Stay vigilant: legislation is a tool, not a replacement for parenting.