From 10 December 2025, the Australian Government’s age restrictions for social media will come into effect. At this time, young people under the age of 16 will no longer be able to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. Platforms will likely include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube. The full list is still being finalised and can be viewed here.
These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance online safety for young people, by delaying and restricting the online use for those under 16 years, under the oversight of the eSafety Commissioner.
Enforcement of the restriction will be the responsibility of the platforms. There are no penalties for under-16s, their parents, carers, or schools. FAQs and resources for educators, parents and carers are available via the eSafety website.
The eSafety Commissioner advises that parents and carers can help their under-16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how that may be impacted by the new law.
You may have questions on how this will work. That’s why the eSafety Commissioner is running sessions for parents and carers; educators and youth-serving professionals to understand the changes and what impact it will have.
Webinars are free, run for 30 minutes, and are available throughout November and December.