Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under 16s: Supporting Your Teen

Overview of the Social Media Minimum Age Legislation

Australia will implement the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, the first law globally to set the minimum social media age at 16. This marks a significant shift in protecting children online by increasing platform accountability and enforcing stricter regulations on major social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and educational or support services such as Google Classroom, eheadspace, and Kids Helpline are exempt from these rules.

What You Need to Know

The legislation aims to make social media platforms more responsible for the safety of young users by prohibiting account creation under age 16. To enforce this, the law imposes fines up to $49.5 million for noncompliance, emphasising the government’s commitment to child protection online. Platforms are implementing privacy-conscious age verification methods, including AI, facial recognition, behavioural data analysis and links to banking apps. It is important to note that social media platforms should not require government-issued IDs for verification.

Balancing Online Safety and Digital Rights

The law addresses the increasing online risks faced by Australian teenagers, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and exposure to violent or extremist content. While the legislation aims to enhance safety, it has sparked debate about potential limitations on youths’ rights to connect, build communities, and access information. Weighing its benefits against potential drawbacks, one of the criticisms has been that all voices, especially those of young people, should be included in shaping future online safety policies to ensure a balance between protection and digital freedoms.

Parental and Teen Concerns

The Global Online Safety Survey 20251 reveals that 64% of Australian teens experienced at least one online risk in the past year, including hate speech, violent threats, misinformation, and extremist content. Over 80% of parents express worry about their children’s exposure to harmful content, a concern intensified by emerging generative AI technologies. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of online risks for young Australians, the importance of platform accountability, digital literacy, and the need for ongoing support from parents, schools, and policymakers. To address these concerns, a coordinated approach is essential. Key priorities include embedding digital literacy programmes in schools, equipping parents and communities with practical safety resources, and advocating for stronger moderation and reporting tools on social media platforms. Collaboration between government, technology companies, and NGOs will be critical to developing robust frameworks that protect teens and promote safer online environments.

Community and Identity

Social media is recognised as an important tool for connection, self-expression, and building community. Young people value the ability to connect, express their identities and engage with diverse cultures. The introduction of this policy has raised some questions about preserving these benefits while improving safety measures, acknowledging the value young people place on community-building online.

Supporting Teens Through the Social Media Ban

With teens on average spending 14.4 hours per week online and an average of four different social media platforms, adjusting to change can be difficult. Many teenagers may feel confused or distressed by the loss of social media access. Open and honest conversations play an important role in guiding them through such transitions. With compassionate support, adapting to change can foster qualities like courage and flexibility. Below are some helpful suggestions for supporting your teen during periods of change.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Teens Through the Social Media Ban

Listen with empathy:

Give your full attention, minimise distractions and use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue. Reflect on their responses to show understanding.

Validate their feelings:

Acknowledge that losing social media access may be upsetting or isolating. Avoid minimising their emotions; instead, affirm their experience.

Encourage acceptance and focus on control:

Discuss the reasons for the ban and help teens distinguish between what they can and cannot control. Guide them to focus on manageable aspects, such as how they spend their time.

Promote wellbeing: 

Suggest activities that support mental and physical health, such as exercise, group activities, or creative pursuits. Participate with them or help set achievable goals.

Support offline friendships:

Facilitate opportunities for in-person socialisation, such as organising meet-ups or encouraging participation in group activities.

Foster positive family time: 

Plan regular family activities to strengthen bonds and provide stability.

Explore new interests:

Encourage trying new hobbies or revisiting past interests to build self-esteem and enjoyment outside digital spaces.

Establish regular check-ins:

Set aside time for family discussions to normalise sharing feelings and foster mutual support.

Maintain peer connections through community activities:

Encourage involvement in local clubs, sports, or volunteering to build social networks.

Promote digital literacy:

Discuss internet safety, privacy, and responsible online behaviour to empower safe technology use.

Encourage seeking support:

Remind teens that seeking help is a sign of strength and encourage them to reach out to trusted adults or professionals if needed.

Where to Get Help and Support

eHeadspace

Kids Helpline

Beyond Blue

SDECC (Sydney Drug Education & Counselling Centre)

  • Phone: (02) 9977 0711
  • Website: https://www.sdecc.org.au
  • SDECC provides counselling and support for young people dealing with alcohol and other drug issues, as well as education for families.

Lifeline

Parent Line

1Source: Microsoft. (2025). Global Online Safety Survey – Australia Infographic. https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-brand/documents/1_Australia_Infographic.pdf

Need help right now?

SDECC operates during business hours, and we may not always be able to respond immediately.

If you’re in distress right now, for 24/7 crisis support please contact:

Emergency Services – 000

Lifeline – 13 11 14

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