Digital Safety & Wellbeing

What parents need to know about the New Social Media Age Laws

This week we focus on the New Social Media Age Laws.

There are two short videos from the eSafety Commissioner and an article to read.

Dr Justin Coulson

What Parents Can Do

These next few months are a chance to help your children make a healthy digital transition. Here are seven simple, practical steps to start now:

1. Start the conversation. Talk with your child about what’s changing, why it matters, and how it’s designed to protect them — not punish them. Keep it calm, curious, and compassionate.
2. Highlight the risks. Explain how social media can fuel anxiety, comparison, or exposure to harmful content, and why limits help everyone breathe easier.
3. Review and guide. Look at what your child is currently using. Help them save special memories, photos, or messages before their accounts change — and brainstorm other ways to connect with friends offline.
4. Stay informed. Visit esafety.gov.au for up-to-date resources, checklists, and webinars explaining how the legislation will work.
5. Watch for changes. Expect some frustration or FOMO (fear of missing out) when these changes arrive. Listen first. Reassure them that they’re not alone — no one under 16 will be able to use these platforms.
6. Know the exceptions. Messaging apps and most online games are currently exempt, so your child might migrate to those spaces. Keep guiding conversations about what’s safe and what’s not.
7. Understand the scope. The rules apply only to platforms with “social media” features — spaces designed for sharing and following others. New apps will continue to appear, so stay curious and connected.

Video: How the social media age restrictions will help keep under-16s safer

Video: Talking with your child about the age restrictions

Thanks to Rochester Business Network, Rochester Community House and the Shire of Campaspe for their support in our grant application to fund this initiative.