Social Media Age Restrictions – Part 1: The basics: what, why & how

It’s all over the media and you might have heard me talking about it on ABC breakfast radio earlier this week: Australia’s new law introducing Social Media Age Restrictions for under-16s is coming into effect on December 10, 2025. There is a lot of confusion and controversy around the topic, and even the government and eSafety Commissioner are still adjusting the details almost daily. Feels a bit like they’re still building the plane while already flying it! This is no surprise: It’s a world’s first! The approach is bold and controversial - and the “enemy” (BigTech) incredibly powerful. Australia’s move is being watched by many countries with bated breath.

In this series, I’d like to talk through questions I’m being asked frequently concerning the social media “ban” (now labelled “delay”). Let’s start with the basics, to provide you with a solid understanding before we go into how you can prepare for what could be quite a blow to many children and teens currently using social media (and therefore, their families!). We still have time, but we have to start the conversation now to soften the impact. Find some initial inspo for those chats below.

What are the Social Media Age Restrictions about, why are they becoming the law in Australia and how will they be implemented?

1. What/Who: 

   • From 10^th December 2025 under-16s will be unable to open an account or keep their existing account with social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook and YouTube[1]. I remember that originally there was talk that under-16s with an existing account would be able to keep it, but this has changed. In my view, losing their social media account will be incredibly tough for some young people. However, I can see how it will ultimately be better for all, as it’s a lot clearer and should reduce peer pressure significantly.

   • Under-16s will still be able to see publicly available social media content and YouTube videos that don’t require logging into an account.

   • Apps that are mainly used for messaging (e.g. WhatsApp) or gaming (e.g. Roblox) and services that support health and education will not be affected at this stage.

   • There will be no penalties for under-16s who access an account on an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers (the onus is on the platforms, not the users).

2. Why: 

   • So many studies have been published over the last few years, documenting and proving the massive negative impact of social media on the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people (please see my blog on screens in general for more posts on this). The costs to our health system and to our society as a whole are immense. BigTech companies are making billions (yes, not just millions!) of dollars without taking any responsibility for the often-tragic consequences of the use of their platforms on the lives of children, teenagers, young adults and their families. That’s why the Australian government has decided to step in.
     

   • Young people’s brains are still developing and the neofrontal cortex, the part of the brain that’s housing the executive functions (like self-regulation, keeping focus/getting back onto the task at hand, impulse control, critical thinking, following a plan, prioritising, etc.) develops last - until their early 20ies in fact. They simply cannot resist, stop, critically analyse, protect themselves from or not be influenced by the often harmful or age-inappropriate content thrown at them. The algorithm-driven social media platform use addictive design to maximise time spent on their app and user engagement. Even us adults struggle to get off them, and our executive functions are fully developed! So, the new law is to delay the use of those platforms until children are more digitally, socially and emotionally mature. It aims to take the (peer) pressure off and provide more time for kids to learn navigating the online world before they’re exposed at least to some of these well documented risks.
     

   • You are a very important part of that preparation and learning – you’re the number one influencer in your child’s life!
     

     

3. How: 

   • It’s the social media companies’ responsibility to ensure under-16s can’t create or keep an account on their platform. There are a number of technologies they can use to achieve that, and it’s up to them how they implement it.
     

   • The technology’s there, but the will is lacking. In my opinion, BigTech continued milking the cow even after the impacts on the young generations’ mental health became apparent (and that was many years ago!). They could’ve easily changed the algorithms, the addictive design, the like button, the content allowed to be shared and all the other lovely features that have gotten us into this mess. But they’re businesses, not charities. Maximisation of revenue seems to have been a clear priority over social responsibility. We’re paying a huge price for that strategy, that’s why the government is stepping in.
     

   • Of course, there will be under-16s trying to find a way around the restrictions. There’s always a way, just like with alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. But that’s not the point. The point is that the law changes the norm and makes everyone aware that something’s wrong with social media as it is.

But what about the good stuff on social media (learning, connecting, sharing, …)?

I agree!!! There is SO MUCH good stuff out there, but the net effect of social media on young people is still proven not to be good at all! Unfortunately, the platforms aren’t helping children to be exposed to the good things only (or at least mainly) and not to the bad. The Australian government isn’t in a position to tell them how to run their business. The government has a duty of care (and a rising mental health bill to deal with), however, so restricting the age of account access is one way to protect this nation’s young generation. It will not be perfect, and adjustments will be made along the way, but it’s a start and a strong signal.

I believe that new networks and platforms will develop that are less damaging, but still more interesting and catering to older ages than e.g. YouTube Kids 😉 And a lot of content will still be available, just not logged into an account (and therefore less prone to be served profile- and algorithm-driven content). We’ll see!

What can I do as a parent to help my family prepare?

I will write about this in more detail in the next posts, but my key suggestion is to start the conversation about the new law with your children now, especially if they’re already on social media or have their own YouTube account. You don’t have to know everything or put anything in place yet. It’s more a joint exploration of what it will be like and how to get through the transition.

• The most important ingredient for these chats is empathy! Imagine your own access to social media would be taken away… you’d most likely be rather upset, sad or angry. So are the kids. We’ve let them get into this mess and now they’re feeling punished on top of it.

• First, learn a bit more about how they use and see the platforms. If you’re not sure which apps they’re on, that could be a starting point. Ask open questions – in a curious, not interrogative way. Like, what they enjoy about each app, what they’re using it for, what stresses them about it, what good and bad experiences they or their friends have had on there, what their friends are thinking about the new law, etc.

• Add examples of your own good and bad experiences on social media, if appropriate and if that feels right.

• As a next step, you could together think about how the new law might change things, and start brainstorming alternative ways of connecting, learning and sharing and entertainment. No hidden agendas, no trying to manipulate – just showing you care, you’re here to support them, you’ll go through this together. This will create trust and that’s priceless – whether for this new law taking effect or any other parenting challenge coming your way.

I hope this information has been useful on your way to preparing yourself and your family for the upcoming changes. Stay tuned for my next posts covering more questions, such as:

• What alternatives are there?

• Does it mean that non-age restricted apps and platforms are safe?

• I fear this will create a lot of conflict with my kids. How do I prepare and handle it?

• What to do if my older child is allowed social media and my younger one isn’t?

• I don’t think my child will cope (well) with losing their connections and support through social media. What can I do?

Please send through any other questions you might have!

If you’re unsure of where to start or if you feel concerned about your child’s or teen’s usage of or attachment to their phone or social media, please feel free to give me a call - I’m always happy to help.

Till next time!

Much love,

Anke x

[1] Note: Which platforms are definitely in or out is currently still being defined as per the eSafety Commissioner’s list.