Social Media Delay

From 10 December 2025, children under 16 cannot hold accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X and Reddit in Australia. Platforms carry the responsibility. They must take reasonable steps to prevent under16s from creating or keeping accounts. 

Enforcement is through the eSafety Commissioner. If platforms fail to comply, they can face penalties of up to $49.5 million per breach. The law applies to platforms, not families. Parents and children will not be fined or penalised. No mandatory ID checks. 

Platforms are not required to verify every user with government ID, but they must show they have effective systems in place.

The Delay is About Protection 

Social media can expose children to bullying, scams, exploitation, harmful content and pressure to perform. Delaying access until 16 gives them time to build resilience, independence, and digital skills before stepping into those spaces. 

Risks of Workarounds 

Using a parent’s account, lying about age, or shifting to unsafe apps still puts kids at risk. Underage accounts may be removed, and safety settings don’t work properly if they’re pretending to be older.

Building Positive Alternatives 

Encourage kids to save what matters, set up safe ways to connect with friends, explore digital tools for learning and creativity, and balance screen time with offline hobbies and friendships.

Additional Information: 

Cyber Safety Project – Simplifying the Social Media Reset 

eSafety Commissioner – Social Media Age Restrictions Hub 

OAIC – Online Safety Act - Social Media

Parent Information Guide is available below