Lifting the lid on social media age restrictions

04 Sep 2025

From 10 December 2025, a new Australian regulation aims to make social media safer for children under 16 by delaying access to high-risk platforms.

We are all part of a vibrant, connected community, both at home and online. As parents, we want to ensure our children are safe and happy, and this includes their digital world. A new regulation is being introduced to help keep our children safe online. It’s not a ban, but a way to give them the tools they need to navigate social media when they are ready.

Commissioner's message

Watch the Commissioner's message on Vimeo

Key Points:

• The new regulation is a  "delay,"  not a "ban," on social media for children under 16.
• It applies to high-risk platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
• The goal is to give kids time to develop important skills like digital literacy and critical thinking.
• There are  no penalties  for children or their families who might get around the restrictions.
• The focus is on encouraging social media companies to take  "reasonable steps"  to protect children.

Protecting our children

Our children are growing up in a digital world, and it's essential we help them learn to navigate it safely. The new regulation gives our children more time to develop the skills they need to handle the risks that come with social media. By introducing this change, the eSafety Commissioner is working with online platforms to create a more positive and secure environment for young people.

This approach acknowledges that while the online world can be a great place for connection and fun, it can also present challenges like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. It’s a chance for us, as parents and educators, to work together to teach our children how to become responsible and confident digital citizens.

The new rules mean that certain high-risk social media platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. However, this is not about punishing children or parents if these measures are bypassed. The main goal is to protect our kids and guide them toward a safer, healthier relationship with technology.

Mythbusting with an expert

To help parents understand the new changes, online digital safety expert  Kirra Pendergast  joined Maggie Dent for a conversation to "mythbust" the new social media age restrictions. They discuss what parents need to know and what they can do to support their children through this transition. You can watch their full conversation here: Mythbusting the new social media age restrictions with Kirra Pendergast.

Resources for families

We all have a part to play in helping our kids stay safe. Continuous conversations and clear rules at home are just as important as these new regulations. To help you on this journey, there are many valuable online resources available.

• eSafety Parents Page: This comprehensive guide from the eSafety Commissioner provides advice on everything from parental controls to handling cyberbullying.
• The eSafety Guide: Find information on different social media, games, and apps, including their age requirements and how to protect your personal information.
• Family Tech Agreements: Create a family agreement with your children to set clear rules about device usage and online behavior.

By staying informed and working together, we can help our children thrive in the digital world while keeping their safety and wellbeing a top priority.