This term has been a busy one, where our students have not only been engaged in learning but also participated in the College community in so many ways. I wish everyone in our community a safe and relaxing holiday break. I look forward to an exciting Term 4.
It is timely to discuss with your child the Social Media Ban implemented from December this year.
From December 2025, Australia will introduce a new minimum age of 16 for using most social media platforms. Its goal is to reduce online harm to young people by holding social media platforms more accountable for who uses their services.
What we know about the social media ban so far:
What is the social media ban?
The Government has legislated that people under the age of 16 will not be able to sign up for social media accounts. To do so will be against the law.
Who will it affect?
The Government has set a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media platforms. All young people under the age of 16 in Australia, regardless of whether they have current access, will be affected.
When will it happen?
Parliament passed the legislation in 2024, and the ban will come into effect on 10 December 2025.
What platforms are being banned and which ones aren’t?
The Government are still finalising the full list of social media platforms that will be included in the ban. However, they have said it will include most of the major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook and X. The Government has stated that they will allow exemptions for messaging apps and services with the primary purpose of supporting health and education (like headspace, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom).
While YouTube was initially expected to be exempt, the Government has since confirmed it will be included in the ban. However, the restrictions will still allow the YouTube Kids platform to operate. YouTube Kids is a child-friendly version of YouTube with age-appropriate videos and parental controls. The full list of exempt platforms is yet to be confirmed.
If young people already have an account, will they be kicked off?
Under the legislation, yes. Even if young people already have accounts, after the ban comes into effect, anyone under 16 will not be allowed on certain social media platforms.
What if I give my parental/guardian consent?
This won't make a difference. Parents (or other guardians) won't be able to give their consent for their young people to access social media before they are 16 years of age.
How will they enforce this?
The Government has said that they want the responsibility to be placed upon the platforms and their companies to enforce the age restriction, rather than upon young people and their families. While the Government hasn’t dictated exactly how platforms have to comply, at a minimum they will be required to implement some form of age assurance. The eSafety Commissioner is currently testing different tools to figure out the best way to do this. That might include things like ID checks or technology that estimates a young person’s age, but no single method has been locked in yet.
Supporting young people through change
We know that uncertainty around change can be unsettling, so now is a great time to chat to young people in your life about their use of social media, and their thoughts about the ban.
This ban will not automatically shift young people to the offline world - they will continue to have online and offline spaces. The ban offers a unique opportunity for families to open up a conversation and learn more about your young person’s experiences in both spaces.
Some ideas for opening up the conversation…
1. Talk early about what’s changing
Ask your child, “Have you heard about the new age limit for social media?” Give them time to share how they feel and what they’re worried about.
2. Review current accounts together
Sit down and look through their existing apps or profiles. Talk about what might need to change and how they’d like to handle it.
3. Make a plan for staying connected
Help your child choose safe, age-appropriate ways to stay in touch with friends, like messaging apps or family-approved chat options.
4. Discuss the risks of getting around the rules
Explain why using someone else’s ID or downloading VPNs might seem like an easy fix, but can lead to bigger problems. Keep the tone supportive.
5. Keep teaching safety skills
Even if your child is stepping away from certain platforms, continue to build their skills for privacy, kindness, and help-seeking in all online spaces.
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd 2025