This means that many social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Facebook, will not be allowed to let Australians under 16 years old create new accounts or continue using existing accounts.
The aim of these restrictions is to better protect young people from pressures, risks, and harmful behaviours they may be exposed to while online. Importantly, there will be no penalties for young people under 16, or their parents and carers, if they access age-restricted social media platforms. Instead, the responsibility is in the hands of social media platforms to take reasonable steps to ensure the age restrictions are enforced.
With social media playing a significant role in how young people communicate and connect, the new age restrictions will likely create disruptions and may cause feelings of frustration, anger, and sadness. During this period of adjustment, it is important to offer support to the young people in your life. You don’t have to work this out on your own, there are several resources available for parents, carers, and young people for guidance throughout this time.
Offers conversation guides about the new restrictions, online safety basics and information on alternative communication platforms that are exempt from the restrictions.
Provides a parent and carer guide for managing tensions and supporting teens as they adapt to the changes.
Shares resources for young people struggling with the restrictions, including online mental health support. headspace also provides guidance for parents and carers supporting a young person during this time.
Mental Health First Aid has a great fact sheet for assisting those affected by social media access changes. The sheet covers how young people may experience the change, signs to look for that they need support, tips to help and links to support.
For general information and additional support options, visit the Youth Solutions Support and Help page.
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Learn moreNeed some help but not sure where to turn? We can help. Connect with us or visit the Find Support Now page.
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Australian Government E Safety Commissioner, 2025, Social Media Age Restrictions, accessed on 27/11/2025, via https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions.
ReachOut, 2025, Parents’ and carers’ guide to the social media age restrictions, accessed on 27/11/2025, via https://parents.au.reachout.com/staying-safe-online/social-media/parents-carers-guide-social-media-age-restrictions.
Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, 2025, Social Media Minimum Age – Fact Sheet, accessed on 27/11/2025 via https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/social-media-minimum-age-and-age-assurance-trial-fact-sheet-july-2025.pdf.
Headspace, 2025, The Social Media Ban: Staying Informed, accessed on 27/11/2025, via https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/social-media-ban/.
Parliament of Australia, 2024, Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, accessed on 27/11/2025, via, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7284.
