Factsheet

Understanding Australia’s New Social Media Age Restrictions – A Guide for Parents and Grandparents

From 10 December 2025, new Australian laws will require age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from creating or keeping an account.

This has raised important questions for families—especially parents and grandparents who support young people day-to-day. Below is a clear explanation of what the changes mean and how adults can help young people stay safe, supported, and connected.

What Is Actually Changing?

This is not a ban on young people, and there will be no penalties for children, parents, or carers.

Instead, social media companies must prevent under-16s from creating or keeping accounts on age-restricted platforms. The responsibility is on platforms, not families.

The aim is to reduce exposure to:

  • Harmful or distressing content
  • Addictive design
  • Body image pressure
  • Cyberbullying
  • Sleep disruption
  • Manipulating algorithms

Which Platforms Are Age-Restricted?

AeSafety considers these platforms will be age-restricted:

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit.

The list will continue to evolve – so it is worth checking back.
Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are excluded, but messaging features inside social media apps may still be affected.

Supporting Young People Who Feel Worried about this change

It’s completely normal for young people to feel:

  • Worried
  • Left out
  • Confused
  • Stressed about losing access to friends or communities

Social media is where many teens connect, share their identity, and access support. Adults can help by validating their feelings and supporting them to plan for the transition.

Ways to support young people through the change

Project Rockit shared these tips

Help them figure out where they can still stay connected with friends and community.
This might include messaging apps, group chats, clubs, sports, or more in-person time.

Help them find other ways to access news, support, and wellbeing resources.
Encourage reliable websites like Tune In Not Out and youth-friendly news platforms.

Encourage them to keep sharing their voice and staying involved.
Young people can stay creative, participate in groups, or explore offline hobbies, art, or volunteering.

Let them know their feelings are valid.
Losing access to online spaces can feel like losing part of their social world.

Direct them to youth support services if needed.
Young people can contact:
📞 Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800
Text, chat and phone support are available 24/7.

Helping Young People Prepare

Downloading or Backing Up Their Social Media Content

Many young people store memories, photos, videos, and friendships inside their social media accounts. If they’re worried about losing these, you can help them download their data before changes take effect.

Why this matters

Downloading helps young people:

  • Keep special memories
  • Preserve artwork, videos or creative work
  • Save messages they care about
  • Feel more in control
  • Transition safely without feeling like everything disappears overnight

How to download social media data

Most platforms offer a “Download Your Information” option:

  • Facebook / Instagram → Settings → Your Information → Download Your Information
  • TikTok → Settings → Account → Download Your Data
  • Snapchat → My Data in account settings
  • YouTube → Google Takeout
  • X (Twitter) → Download an Archive of Your Data

Some downloads may take hours or days, so starting early is helpful.

Where to store downloaded content

Help young people choose a safe place, such as:

  • A USB or hard drive
  • A secure cloud folder
  • A password-protected “memory box” on a device

This can be a positive opportunity to talk about online safety, privacy, and digital footprints.

How Families Can Support Young People More Broadly

Start calm, open conversations

Ask:
“How do you feel about this upcoming change?”
“Is there anything online you want to save or keep?”

Encourage offline connection

Sports, clubs, volunteering, walking with friends, or creative hobbies.

Plan together

Talk through:

  • How they’ll keep in touch with friends
  • What apps they will still be able to use
  • New offline activities that support their wellbeing

Use trusted wellbeing resources

Tune In Not Out — www.tuneinnotout.com
A youth-friendly site full of factsheets, videos, stories and support.

Where to Learn More

Official eSafety information:
👉 eSafety’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub

Youth wellbeing support:
👉 Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800
👉 Tune In Not Out (TINO): www.tuneinnotout.com