Social Media & the Under-16s Ban: A Guide for Aussie Parents

From 10 December 2025, Australia is rolling out major changes to how teens under 16 can use social media. No fines and no parents getting in trouble… but big shifts are coming.

And if you’re a parent, you deserve a calm, clear breakdown of what this actually means for your family, without the fear-mongering and hopefully with a few less arguments if you have some conversations and plan it with your kids.

Here’s your quick, practical guide.

Why This Is Happening (In Plain English)

Australia is stepping in because:

• Kids are being exposed to harmful design features built to keep them scrolling.

• The pressure, comparison, FOMO, and mental health impacts are real.

• Online spaces haven’t been safe or respectful enough.

• Kids deserve better protection than what big tech has been willing to give.

This change is designed to slow kids down online - not punish them.

What This Means for Families

Here’s what’s actually changing:

• Parents and kids won’t be fined (you can breathe).

• Platforms will introduce stronger age checks.

• Some apps may limit or remove under-16 accounts entirely.

• You’ll notice privacy settings tightening and more safety prompts.

In other words: your child’s favourite app might suddenly block them, delete their account, or ask for proof of age.

This isn’t a failure on your part. It’s the system shifting and it's about damn time.

What You Can Do Right Now

This transition will land MUCH softer if you’ve already laid the groundwork.

1. Talk Early

Ask them:

• “What apps are you using?”

• “Why do you like them and what parts don't you like?”

• “What is worrying you if you can’t use them?”

The goal: understanding, not judgement.

2. Revisit Device Controls

Check:

• App Store / Google Play restrictions

• Privacy settings on every installed app

• Screen time and downtime settings

These updates will hit fast. Make sure you’re not caught off-guard. Also consider downloading any photos and data, that your child might want to keep if and when they lose their accounts. 

3. Set Clear Digital Boundaries

Now is the moment to discuss and tighten:

• Technology rules - start by having a discussion and coming up with some new rules (together) with some compromises to help you both feel empowered and in control 

• Places devices can/can’t be used like bedrooms and bathrooms

• Expectations around communication and safety

4. Support Them Through the Transition

Because yes… some kids will lose access.

Stay calm and work together on alternatives like:

• Messaging apps you both approve - think iMessage 

• Offline activities like team sports and in-person catch-ups

• Group chats that are safer and have parents involved in monitoring the conversations. 

• Game settings that don’t expose them to strangers or private messaging. 

And keep communication open about:

• Peer pressure

• Comparison

• FOMO

• Online predators 

• Anything that feels “off” or unsafe online

The more they talk, the safer they are.

What Teens Might Notice

Expect a few things to pop up:

• Age-verification pop-ups

• Stricter privacy defaults

• Limits on features

• Possible account reviews if they’re under 16

Some apps may go harder than others depending on their business model.

How Teens Can Stay Connected Safely

This doesn’t mean kids have to disappear off the grid.

Help them explore:

• Safer messaging platforms you agree on

• Offline catch-ups

• Hobbies, sports, clubs and in-person friendships

• Talking to trusted adults if anything online feels weird or confusing

Kids still need connection, just without the worst parts of social media.

⭐ A Final Note From Me

A government ban won’t magically fix everything. It's long overdue but it's not going to stop everything bad on the internet. 

Parents - you still matter and your support will help.
Conversations are still vital and necessary and teaching kids how to navigate online spaces safely - with or without social media - is the real game changer.

Want help preparing for these changes?

Inside the KidSafe Collective, you’ll find:

✔ Practical guides
✔ Conversation scripts
✔ Monthly resources
✔ Real-world safety tools
✔ Support from me every step of the way

Join the community that’s raising safer, stronger kids.
➡️ Click here to learn more.