You may have heard in the media recently about upcoming changes to social media platforms that will affect how children and young people can access and use them. From 10 December 2025, new Australian laws will prevent children under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account on certain social media platforms. These changes aim to give children more time to develop the skills and maturity needed to navigate online environments safely and responsibly.

The new age restrictions are expected to apply to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, among others. Children under 16 will still be able to view publicly available content that doesn’t require logging in. Importantly, educational tools such as Google Classroom and YouTube Kids will not be affected.

It is important as parents that we understand these changes so we can support our children to use technology safely, responsibly, and within the law.

To help families prepare, the eSafety Commissioner has launched a Social Media Age Restrictions Hub. This hub provides clear, up-to-date information, including answers to frequently asked questions, guidance on how the changes may impact schools, and practical advice on how to talk with children about social media use. The hub can be found here.

Parents and carers are also encouraged to take part in the free eSafety parent webinars, which offer valuable support for navigating these changes and promoting healthy digital habits at home. To learn more about webinars, visit: Webinars for parents and carers 

Christine Nunes

Assistant Principal