Queer youth kicked off social media due to Australia's landmark under-16s ban are finding alternative ways to connect, say advocates calling for access to safe and moderated platforms.
Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube have all been required to take steps to prevent young Australians accessing their platforms.
The ban, which stipulates users must be 16 or older to create or hold social media accounts, made international headlines in December.
However up to 21 per cent of high school students identify as being LGBTIQ+ and two-thirds of them say they have experienced bullying or harassment as a result, according to Minus18.
More than 90 per cent of queer youth surveyed by the advocacy group said social media had helped them to find queer friends.
The ban which came into effect in December has had a mixed and inconsistent impact on young people in the LGBTIQ+ community, the group's general manager Adrian Murdoch told AAP.
"We know many young people remain connected through existing channels but we have also seen a migration to unmonitored spaces where the information may have less restrictions or be unverified," Murdoch said.
"There is also potential that young people won't reach out for help because of fears of getting in trouble for accessing those spaces.
"It really creates a growth of isolation without connection to those peer networks."
In response to the ban, Minus18 created a free, moderated discord server for LGBTIQ+ youth aged 13 to 19.
The organisation has seen a 303 per cent increase in expressions of interest to join the server, which now has more than 500 users and double that on a waitlist.
"It's only been a matter of months and we've seen such exponential growth in that time ... there is a strong signal that queer youth are seeking safe and moderated platforms," Murdoch said.
"The increased demand presents a critical need to strengthen support pathways, invest in safe online and in-person spaces and increase messaging on digital safety rather than simply abstinence."
Minus18 youth workers moderate the space and facilitate conversations for users to ensure the site remains a safe environment for all.
Sunday marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with Australians urged to show their visible allyship in any way they can.
"It can be as simple as wearing a rainbow ribbon but for a queer young person, seeing that helps them feel safe and know they have that support from people around them," Murdoch said.
"It's no secret that there has been a lot of pressure on initiatives that promote inclusion and acceptance but when you see people show up it encourages others to do so."
A 2025 national youth survey conducted by Minus18 found the simple act of visible allyship makes queer young people feel safe in their communities.
More than 85 per cent of those surveyed said seeing someone wearing rainbow or ally accessories made them feel safer and more like they belonged.
"There is a role every Australian can play to make a safer and more inclusive environment for people," Murdoch said.
"The collective effort is the collective signal and creates ripples of impact."
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