From 10 December 2025, Australia will introduce new rules requiring social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.
This change is designed to give young people more time before stepping into online spaces that can expose them to risks such as harmful content, unwanted contact, and addictive features. Here’s what parents need to know — and how you can support your child through these changes.
Why the Change?
Research shows that many social platforms are built in ways that encourage kids to stay online longer, see content that isn’t always age-appropriate, and interact with people they don’t know.
By setting a minimum age of 16, the government hopes to reduce these risks and encourage safer, healthier online experiences.
Which Platforms Are Affected?
The restrictions will apply to major platforms like:
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TikTok
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Instagram
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Snapchat
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YouTube
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X (formerly Twitter)
These are services that let users connect, share, and post content.
Some apps — like simple messaging tools or online games — aren’t covered. But if they start acting like social networks, they could be included later.
What This Means for Your Family
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No penalties for kids: Your child won’t get in trouble for having an account. The responsibility lies with the platforms.
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Stronger protections: Companies will need to use age-assurance systems to stop under-16s from creating or keeping accounts.
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Not a complete solution: These rules don’t remove all online risks. Kids can still encounter challenges elsewhere online.
How You Can Support Your Child
Even with these rules in place, parents and carers remain the most important influence in helping children stay safe online. Here are some simple steps:
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Talk openly about what your child enjoys online and the risks they may face.
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Set boundaries together — for example, around screen time or which apps they use.
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Encourage alternatives like group chats with friends, family messaging apps, or offline activities.
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Build digital resilience by teaching kids how to handle tricky situations, like blocking strangers or reporting harmful content.
The Bigger Picture
This law is part of a wider effort by the Australian Government and the eSafety Commissioner to make the internet a safer place. It sits alongside other initiatives like stronger protections against harmful content and trials of new age-verification technology.
Final Thoughts
From December 2025, social media will look a little different for young Australians. The new age restrictions aim to give kids more time to grow before entering social spaces designed for adults.
But the most powerful protection remains the same: parents talking, guiding, and supporting their children as they explore the digital world.
