Australia’s new social media age law is here, giving parents more control and helping safeguard kids’ wellbeing online. The rule is simple: children under 16 are now restricted from creating accounts on age-restricted platforms. But what does it mean in practice? How will kids stay connected? And where do families go from here?

What’s changed?

The law isn’t a blanket ban. It delays under-16s from creating or holding accounts on designated “age-restricted social media platforms.”

Since December, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from opening accounts or deactivate those already held. Existing accounts must be located and removed or deactivated.

Which platforms are affected?

The eSafety Commissioner identifies age-restricted platforms as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick, and Reddit. Messaging apps, gaming platforms, education tools, and health-focused platforms are excluded.

Why this change?

Dr Justin Coulson, parenting expert, says: “Australian parents consistently tell me they feel powerless in the face of Big Tech. The government’s decision to step in here is helpful… Families need this. Kids need this. Parents need this.”

The rationale is that younger children are particularly vulnerable to the design features of social media: endless scrolling, notifications, comparison culture, and algorithm-driven content. Delaying access gives kids time to develop emotional regulation, critical thinking, and digital literacy before being immersed in online social spaces.

What it doesn’t mean

There are no penalties for children or parents if an under-16 uses social media. Kids can still use messaging apps, gaming, education, or health platforms. Importantly, platforms are not required to force all users to verify their age using government ID; privacy protections remain in place.

What parents and educators should do now

• Talk with kids: Explain the changes clearly. Invite questions and be ready for mixed emotions.
• Use resources: The eSafety website offers practical conversation starters to help families navigate tricky topics without lectures or fear-based messaging.
• Encourage offline connection: Face-to-face meetups, shared hobbies, team sports, creative clubs, and even exchanging phone numbers still matter — yes, even landlines.
• Build healthy habits: Use this moment to talk about balance, consent, privacy, and how digital spaces are designed to keep users engaged.

The emotional impact on kids

For many children and teens, social media isn’t “just an app,” it’s how friendships are maintained, jokes are shared, and group dynamics play out. A sudden shift can bring feelings of frustration, exclusion, or anxiety about missing out.

This is where parents and educators play a crucial role. Rather than framing the change as a punishment, it helps to position it as a pause — one that supports wellbeing, not isolation. Acknowledging feelings (“I get why this feels unfair”) while holding boundaries builds trust and keeps communication open.

Schools can also support this transition by encouraging offline connection, promoting shared activities, and reinforcing that friendship doesn’t rely on a platform.

Students: myth vs fact

Myth: The law bans all social media for under-16s.
Fact: Only age-restricted platforms are affected. Messaging, gaming, and educational platforms remain available.

Myth: Parents will be penalised if kids break the rules.
Fact: The law targets platforms, not families.

Myth: Kids will be cut off from friends.
Fact: It’s an opportunity to strengthen offline connection and safer communication.

Tip: Use this moment to teach digital literacy, balance, and self-regulation; skills kids will need long after their first social media account.

Dr Coulson reminds families: “Remember, this doesn’t solve all screen issues. Chat about gaming, screen time, when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to stay safe. Parents and kids need to talk about these issues.”

Rethinking connection without social media

Without public social platforms, many families are rediscovering simpler ways to stay connected. Group chats, shared calendars, supervised gaming, and in-person catch-ups allow kids to socialise without the pressures of likes, follows, and constant comparison. This shift also creates space for kids to develop independence, learning how to organise plans, manage boredom, and resolve social challenges without a digital audience.

When the ban isn’t active yet

If your child’s account is still active, families can still take meaningful steps at home:

• Check accounts together — review platforms and talk about how they’re used.

• Set boundaries — agree on screen time, posting rules, and privacy settings.

• Talk about safety — scams, oversharing, and peer pressure.

• Encourage alternatives — hobbies, movement, creativity, face-to-face time.

• Lead by example — model balanced, intentional screen use yourself.

“But everyone’s still on it…” What parents can do now

Many kids have already found ways around age restrictions. Borrowed birthdays, shared accounts, “private” profiles, workarounds are nothing new. And that can leave parents wondering: what now?

First, don’t panic. This isn’t a failure of the law or your parenting. It’s a reminder that rules alone don’t teach judgement; conversations do.

If your child is still accessing social media, shift the focus from policing to guiding. Ask curious, non-judgemental questions:

• What do you like about it?
• What stresses you out?
• What feels fun, and what doesn’t?

Use this moment to talk about algorithms, comparison culture, online drama, and how content is designed to keep people hooked. These conversations build critical thinking; a skill kids need whether they’re 13 or 30.

Set clear, realistic boundaries you can actually enforce: time limits, device-free zones, privacy settings, and regular check-ins. Co-create rules so kids feel involved rather than controlled.

Most importantly, remember this: the goal isn’t perfect compliance. It’s raising kids who can recognise when something doesn’t feel right, speak up, and make better choices over time. Connection beats control, every time.

For more resources: esafety.gov.au

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