New Social Media Age Restrictions

New social media age restrictions come into effect on 10th December. These restrictions will impact the use of some social media platforms by users under the age of 16.

Some information about these changes; about resources available on the government’s eSafety website; and about possible issues ...


Social media age restrictions

(Information compiled from the Australian Government’s eSafety website)

 

When?

From 10 December Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. This is not a ban, it is a delay to having accounts.

 

Why?

Being logged into an account increases the exposure under-16s have to platform design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing. The delay is an opportunity for them to build their digital literacy skills and resilience.

 

What?

The restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, as well as other platforms. See the latest list online.

Under-16’s will still be able to see and access publicly available content and media that does not require logging in to an account (eg many YouTube videos). Most standalone gaming and messaging apps, as well as many services that support health and education, will not be affected by the new laws.

 

How?

There are systems and technologies available that make it possible for social media platforms to check the age of account holders, while preserving the privacy of users. Social media platforms will be required to take steps to stop under-16s from faking their age or their location. The platforms will risk very large fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to do so.

 

Penalties

There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers. Penalties will only apply to age-restricted platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts on their platforms.

 

Existing Accounts

Platforms are meant to remove accounts belonging to under-16s. Instead of removing accounts, some platforms may deactivate them so they can be reactivated with all their existing data when the user turns 16. However, users should not rely on platforms to provide this option. It’s best for under-16s to download any data they want to save, including connections, posts, chats, photos and videos, before 10 December.

 

eSafety Resources

The government’s eSafety website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) has an excellent collection of advice, support and resources in their Social Media Age Restrictions Hub. This information will greatly support your understanding of the changes.

The site includes:

  • the most up-to-date information;
  • resources for parents and carers, and resources for young people;
  • conversation and discussion starters;
  • frequently asked questions;
  • upcoming live webinars to support your understanding of the changes and their implications. Several 30-minute webinars are scheduled in coming weeks (7:00pm on Tuesday 2nd December, 3:30pm on Monday 8th December, 1:00pm on Monday 15th December). Please visit the eSafety Social Media Age Restrictions Hub for further information and registration.

 

Family Issues

The age restrictions are likely to mean a big change for many under-16s, so they may feel a range of emotions – including being upset, worried, frustrated, confused, sad or angry.

Some may binge on social media use now, before the restrictions start, and find it harder than usual to switch off. Others may become more secretive about their social media use and less likely to ask for help from a trusted adult if things go wrong.

As a parent or carer, you can support your child by talking calmly and openly about the age restrictions. This includes asking how they use social media now, helping them understand how the law might affect them, and guiding them to prepare for the change.

The eSafety website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) has developed specific FAQs for parents and carers, including advice on:

  • dealing with conflict over the social media age restrictions
  • supporting under-16s who may currently rely on social media for connection with important communities and services
  • alternative platforms and their risks
  • what to do if something goes wrong on an age-restricted platform and your child is under 16.
The website has sample 

Every child is different. You know your child best. Keep in mind their age, developmental stage, emotional readiness and individual needs when talking about the age restrictions.

Also, if you are caring for children of various ages you may need to handle the issue in different ways. Discussing it with everyone together and setting shared expectations can be helpful, or you may find it easier or better to have separate conversations.

What matters most is creating a safe space for under-16s to feel heard, supported and empowered to make ‘switching off’ age-restricted social media accounts as stress-free as possible.

Here are some tips:
  • Lead with empathy, letting them know you understand their feelings.
  • Ask them how they currently use social media.
  • Talk about the new law and what it means.
  • Explain that the restrictions are to protect them, not punish them.
  • Talk about the sorts of risks the law aims to help them avoid. These include spending too much time on screens and being over-exposed to negative and harmful content – which can impact their sleep, stress levels, attention and wellbeing.
  • Focus on what they can still do online and offline.
  • Reassure them they can always come to you or another trusted adult to talk about their concerns.
  • It’s OK to try again later if the talk has not gone very well. Lots of little chats are often more effective than one big conversation.

Remember, the aim of delaying account access until 16 is to give young people more time to develop important digital, social and emotional skills before facing the risks of age-restricted social media accounts.

You can use this period of time to help them learn about healthy online habits and the importance of responsible online behaviour – and model them yourself (see the tips in the conversation starters). That way they will be better prepared for social media account access when they turn 16.

You can also explore the content for parents and carers on a range of topics, including using parental controls and managing screen time.

Other helpful advice about discussing the social media age restrictions is provided by headspace (Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation) at Information for family about the social media ban