A parent’s guide to help teens adjust to social media age restrictions

Australia is restricting access to social media accounts for under-16s, and many families are wondering what it means in practice. While the rules place responsibility on tech platforms rather than young people or their parents, the changes may still create stress for teens who rely on social media to stay connected. Find out how the ban will work, why connection still matters, and how experts suggest supporting young people through the transition.

Because social connection is central to teenagers’ wellbeing, parents can help them plan alternative ways to stay in touch. Credit: ridvan_celik/Getty Images

Key Points

• Australia is introducing social media restrictions for young Australians under 16 years of age from 10 December 2025.
• Social media platforms—not parents—are responsible for enforcing age checks.
• Open conversations can help children manage the emotional impact of the changes.
• Parents can support teens by planning alternative ways to stay connected and preparing for account changes.

• What are the new rules and where can I find updates? 
• How can I talk to my child about the changes? 
• How can my child stay connected? 
• How do I support my child if they feel isolated? 
• What practical steps should I take before accounts close? 
• What do I need to do after the ban starts? 

What are the new rules and where can I find updates?

Social media companies will be required to take reasonable steps to stop people under 16 from having accounts on their platforms. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Kick, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, X and YouTube are already included, and more platforms may be added.

The eSafety Commissioner, who is overseeing the introduction of the restrictions, says that the changes aim to protect under-16-year-olds from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged into social media accounts.

Companies are expected to use age-assurance technology to estimate a user’s age. Young people will still be able to watch publicly available content on some platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok. Source: iStockphoto / Suzi Media Production/Getty Images

Companies are expected to use age-assurance technology to estimate a user’s age. Young people will still be able to watch publicly available content on some platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok.

The responsibility falls on the platforms themselves. There are no penalties for parents or children if an under-sixteen still has an account after the start date.

You can find the platforms involved and the most up‑to‑date information on the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

How can I talk to my child about the changes?

Although the teen social media ban begins on 10 December, experts emphasise that the most important part for families is not the rule itself—but how parents talk with their children about it. Open communication can make the transition less stressful.

Dr Catherine Page Jeffery, a senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney, says parents should begin by acknowledging how significant social media is in young people’s lives. Many teens use platforms as their primary way to talk with friends, share interests and build identity. Recognising this helps children feel heard rather than dismissed.

The responsibility falls on the platforms themselves. There are no penalties for parents or children if an under-sixteen still has an account after the start date. Source: iStockphoto / Dragon Claws/Getty Images

Parents can start the conversation by asking:

• How do you feel about the upcoming changes?
• What worries you the most?
• What do you think might be difficult?

This creates space for honesty and helps young people feel supported rather than controlled.

How can my child stay connected?

Because social connection is central to teenagers’ wellbeing, parents can help them plan alternative ways to stay in touch.

Options might include:

• Messaging apps are not covered by the ban
• More regular in-person catch-ups
• Group chats on platforms are still accessible without accounts
• Encouraging participation in community, cultural or school activities

For some young people—especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ communities, rural areas or living with disability—online spaces offer a connection they may not easily find offline. Supporting them to build multiple avenues of connection can help reduce feelings of loss.

Social media companies will be required to take reasonable steps to stop people under 16 from having accounts on their platforms. Source: iStockphoto / Ekkasit Jokthong/Getty Images

How do I support my child if they feel isolated?

Some teens may feel upset, anxious or cut off from peers. Parents can:

• Validate their emotions (“It makes sense you feel this way.”)
• Remind them they’re not losing friendships—only shifting how they connect.
• Help identify which peers they want to stay in touch with most.
• Create opportunities for safe, supervised online spaces recommended by experts, such as Kids Helpline’s My Circle or Beyond Blue forums.

Leo Hede, a manager from Kids Helpline, also suggests building open communication and trust with your children. This means reassuring them they can come to you if something goes wrong online—without fear of getting in trouble.

Parents shouldn't be dismissive of their children's feelings. Source: iStockphoto / Antonio_Diaz/Getty Images

What practical steps should I take before accounts close?

Parents and young people can work together to prepare:

• Save photos, videos, chats and online memories from existing accounts.
• List the friends they want to stay in contact with and decide how to reach them
• Explore alternative apps and safe online communities.
• Set boundaries for device use that still allow for connection and wellbeing

Even if accounts are not immediately removed, preparing early can reduce stress.

Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking with their children about online life. Credit: Johner Images/Getty Images/Johner RF

What do I need to do after the ban starts?

Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking with their children about online life. Risks exist across the internet, not just on social media, so supporting digital wellbeing remains essential.

But even after the ban takes effect, parents do still need to be continuing the conversations with their children about online safety, about online risks, because a lot of the online risks are not just on social media.

Dr Catherine Page Jeffery, senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney.

Again, remaining engaged and ensuring ongoing trust between you and your child is crucial. You can do that by letting them know that they can always come to you and share their feelings and concerns. This is one of the most powerful forms of support during and after the transition.

Further resources on how to have conversations with your children and wellbeing resources can be found on the e-safety commissioner website.

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