Social media age restrictions and your family

The age restrictions aim to protect under-16s from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features in the platforms that:

• encourage them to spend too much time on screens – for example, by prompting them with streams of notifications and alerts, and pressuring them to view disappearing content
• increase the likelihood of exposure to negative, upsetting or manipulative content served up in their feeds by algorithms.

These features have been linked to harms to health and wellbeing – including increased stress levels, and reduced sleep and concentration.

Of course, they are not the only risks on social media. Young people can also be exposed to harmful conduct such as cyberbullying, being asked for nudes and being sent pornography or violent material.

The age restrictions are a delay, not a ban. You don’t have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to social media accounts, instead you can say ‘not yet’, knowing other under-16s are also being prevented from having accounts so your child won’t be missing out.  

The change gives you extra time to talk about online safety and wellbeing with your child, to help them prepare for the risks and pressures of social media when they turn 16. It’s a breathing space for them to build digital, social and emotional skills, and to understand the importance of reaching out for help if things go wrong.

If an age-restricted platform suspects or knows that a user is under 16, it should stop them using the account on that platform or creating a new one for it. It is meant to do this in a way that is as safe and supportive as possible, as set out in eSafety's regulatory guidelines. 

eSafety has suggested that platforms give clear instructions on how under-16s can download, transfer or access their data, like saving their favourite posts, photos and important contacts. 

Some platforms could allow under-16s to just deactivate their accounts, so they can start using them again with all their existing data when they turn 16. But young people shouldn’t rely on platforms to provide this option. It’s best that they download any data they want to save, including connections, posts, chats, photos and videos – as soon as possible.

To find out more about how to prepare, under-16s can:

• visit the ‘Help’ or ‘Support’ section on the platform
• check The eSafety Guide for advice on downloading content and protecting their personal information on common platforms, games, apps and sites
• follow the tips in eSafety’s Get-ready guide and action plan for under-16s, including how to save their most precious data and content.  

Note: Under-16s are still able to scroll social media content that doesn’t require being logged into an account. For example, most content is currently available to view on YouTube without holding an account. Another example is that anyone can search for and view some of Facebook’s content, such as the landing pages of businesses or services that use it as their host platform.

If your under-16 is an international student in Australia, they can find advice on how the social media age restriction will affect them. 

Age-restricted social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Snapchat and Threads, are already asking users for proof of age. But scammers may try to steal money or personal information by sending fake requests to people of all ages. They are likely to create a sense of urgency, threatening to delete an account if the user doesn't act quickly. 

Different social media platforms are using different methods to check age, so it’s important only to trust the information that each platform provides about: 

• the age-check steps their account holders have to take
• the information their account holders have to give
• whether the platform is using another company to do its checks.

You (or your child) should go directly to each platform’s ‘Help’ or ‘Support’ section, via your browser or the app. If you (or your child) receive a text, email or any other message about proof of age, it's important to stop and think about it carefully. Warn your child not to click on links, or download any attachments or apps, unless they're from a verified source. 

We will also update The eSafety Guide with relevant links to age assurance information when platforms provide them. 

Impersonation scams 

A scammer may pretend to be from a social media platform, another company doing the checks for a platform, a government department, or a law enforcement agency such as the police or security services.

They may ask you (or your child) to:

• click a link directing you to a fake website
• provide your account username and password
• send or upload identity information such as passport, driving licence or proof of age card
• record videos of yourself to prove your age
• pay a fine for being on a social media platform while under 16.

Buying and selling scams

A scammer may offer to sell your child a fake ID or direct access to an age-verified account. The scammer may collect personal information and request payment. But they are unlikely to provide access to something that meets the real age check requirements.

‘Hi Mum’ style scams

You may receive a message from a scammer pretending to be your child. For example, they may claim they’ve lost their phone, so they’re using someone else’s number.

They may tell you:

• you need to click a link to verify their age
• they need you to send copies of their identity information (such as a passport, proof of age card and/or birth certificate) so they can verify their age (or get back into their account).

Further support

To find out more about the latest scams and how to protect yourself and others, check the Australian Government’s Scamwatch website. Being scammed is a horrible experience, and it can happen to anyone. If your child needs someone to talk to, they can reach out to Kids Helpline (for 5- to 25-year-olds) or another counselling or support service.

You can also reach out to IDCare, a not-for-profit organisation that can help you recover from scams, identity theft and other cybercrimes.

We know that some under-16s may find their way around the age restrictions, like some get around restrictions on cigarettes and alcohol.  

But age-restricted platforms have to take steps to stop under-16s getting around the law. This includes having ways to prevent under-16s from faking their age by using false identity documents, AI tools or deepfakes. It also means trying to stop under-16s from using VPNs to pretend to be outside Australia.    

Platforms may assess age-related signals which can help work out if someone is under 16. These signals can include:  

• how long an account has been active
• whether the account holder interacts with content targeted at children under 16
• analysis of the language level and style used by the account holder and the people they interact with
• visual checks, such as facial age analysis of the account holder’s photos and videos
• audio analysis, such as age estimation of the voice of the account holder
• activity patterns consistent with school schedules
• connections with other users who appear to be under 16
• membership in youth-focused groups, forums or communities.

Platforms may also use location-based signals which can help work out if an account holder usually lives in Australia and could be using a VPN to pretend they don’t. These signals can include:  

• IP address(es)
• GPS or other location services
• device language and time settings
• a device identifier
• an Australian phone number
• app store or operating system or account settings
• photos, tags, connections, engagement or activity.  

Evidence of these age and location signals is expected to trigger the age assurance process, or review of an account if it has already been checked. 

If your child is asked to pay a fine for being on social media while they're under-16 it’s a scam. They should NOT PAY. Check Scamwatch for more information. 

No online platform or service is risk-free, especially for children.

Online harms can also happen on the alternative sites and apps that are not age-restricted. Under-16s may move to these for connection, expression, information and entertainment after losing social media accounts. This includes messaging and gaming platforms. 

To combat this, Australia has enforceable Online Safety Codes and Standards that require a broad range of online services to implement safety protections to prevent and remove the most harmful illegal content and activity, including sexual abuse of children and encouragement of terrorism. The codes and standards also require the online industry to prevent children from accessing or being exposed to age-inappropriate material such as pornography, and to ensure that all users have effective tools, information, and options to limit access to harmful content.

In addition, eSafety is continuing to watch out for and assesses technological changes, updates to online tools and features, and the emergence of new services. If a platform experiences a significant increase in users under the age of 16 or a change in the way it’s being used, it must report this to eSafety as part of its self-assessment process. Our industry compliance activities we will also actively monitor for movement of users from age-restricted platforms to alternative apps and services. This means platforms that are not age-restricted as of 10 December 2025 may become age-restricted later. 

The age restrictions are likely to mean a big change for many under-16s, so they may feel a range of emotions – including being upset, worried, frustrated, confused, sad or angry.  

Some may binge on social media use now, before the restrictions start, and find it harder than usual to switch off. Others may become more secretive about their social media use and less likely to ask for help from a trusted adult if things go wrong.

As a parent or carer, you can support your child by talking calmly and openly about the age restrictions. This includes asking how they use social media now, helping them understand how the law might affect them, and guiding them to prepare for the change.  

eSafety has developed sample conversation starters for parents and carers, as well as a Get-ready guide for helping under-16s prepare for the change. The guide has tips for helping under-16s find other ways to connect with friends, keep up with their interests, express themselves, learn about things and be entertained.

We understand families and households have their own agreements and approaches to being online and using devices, and that every child is different.  

You know your child best. Keep in mind their age, developmental stage, emotional readiness and individual needs when talking about the age restrictions.  

Also, if you’re caring for children of various ages you may need to handle the issue in different ways. Discussing it with everyone together and setting shared expectations can be helpful, or you may find it’s better to have separate conversations.  

What matters most is creating a safe space for under-16s to feel heard, supported and empowered to make ‘switching off’ age-restricted social media accounts as stress-free as possible.  

Here are some tips:

• Lead with empathy, letting them know you understand their feelings.
• Ask them how they currently use social media.
• Talk about the new law and what it means.
• Explain that the restrictions are to protect them, not punish them.
• Talk about the sorts of risks the law aims to help them avoid. These include spending too much time on screens and being over-exposed to negative and harmful content – which can impact their sleep, stress levels, attention and wellbeing.
• Focus on what they can still do online and offline.
• Reassure them they can always come to you or another trusted adult to talk about their concerns.
• It’s OK to try again later if the talk has not gone very well. Lots of little chats are often more effective than one big conversation.

Remember, the aim of delaying account access until 16 is to give young people more time to develop important digital, social and emotional skills before facing the risks of age-restricted social media accounts.  

You can use the extra time to teach them about healthy online habits and the importance of responsible online behaviour – and model them yourself (see our tips in the conversation starters). That way they will be better prepared for social media account access when they turn 16.  

You can also explore our content for parents and carers on a range of topics, including using parental controls and managing screen time.

Other helpful advice about discussing the social media age restrictions is provided by headspace (Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation) at Information for family about the social media ban. 

You're not alone. Many parents and carers are worried about how under-16s will react to no longer having access to social media accounts.  

It’s common for tensions to rise when people are coping with change – especially if they don’t want it to happen. Boredom can cause stress and irritability, too.

Also, it’s likely that many under-16s have siblings, friends or classmates who are older and still using social media accounts – or know other under-16s who are trying to get around the law. This may cause resentment and conflict within social groups and families.

It can be even more complicated if there are different approaches and rules in different homes or settings where your child is cared for, or in their friends’ homes.  

It’s important to keep the focus on your child’s wellbeing, remembering that conflict can be stressful for them too.

You don’t have to work this out on your own.

You can try the suggestions in these FAQs: ‘What can I do now to help my family prepare?’ and ‘I don’t think my child will cope with losing important connections and support. What should I do?’

You can also check in with other parents, your own friends, the communities you belong to and your child’s school. It may even be possible to come up with ideas together that ease the pressure for everyone.

For example:  

• talk with other parents or carers about the age restrictions, including their expectations, how they feel about the change and how they’re approaching it with their own children  
• share the information you’ve learnt from eSafety, to help others understand what’s happening, why, and what they can do
• set clear agreements – for example for sleepovers or shared device use
• organise joint activities or events to help relieve the boredom for under-16s withdrawing from social media accounts
• check in with each other regularly to stay aligned and discuss what to do about problems.

If things become too difficult to manage, there’s help available – for your child, your family, and for you.

If you or your child are at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

These are some other options:

• Counselling and support services  
• Kids Helpline
• Parentline
• Raising Children Network
• Family Relationships Advice Line
• A family mediation service
• Your child’s school counsellor  
• Your local doctor or community nurse

It may be useful to seek professional help as a parent – ReachOut has advice (including talking with someone you trust, a counsellor or online support service, or a community forum). It also has coaching for parents and carers of teens and advice on dealing with family conflict and helping young people cope with change.  

If your child is at risk of self-harm right now call Triple Zero (000).

Like most of us, young people use social media in many different ways – including connecting with friends, keeping up with their interests, expressing themselves, learning about things and being entertained.  

They can also use it to explore who they are (or want to be), find a community, connect with a support network and express their identity.  

Some under-16s are likely to find losing account access harder than others – especially if they use social media as their main way of connecting and getting support. For example, it may not be easy to socialise with others in person because of distance, disability, language barriers or feeling uncomfortable about being themselves in public.

They may find it helpful to explore these platforms:

• My Circle is a free, private, safe and confidential social forum for 12- to 25-year-olds that supports mental health.
• Beyond Blue forums are open to under-16s – there’s even one where they can discuss how they’re feeling about the social media age restrictions.

They can also check these ReachOut pages for lists of national, state and territory-based services and ways to connect:

• Support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Ways to connect with community if you’re a First Nations young person
• Yarn up – a space where young First Nations people access wellbeing resources and support
• Support services for culturally and linguistically diverse young people
• Culturally diverse LGBTQIA+ support services and groups
• LGBTQIA+ support services.  

eSafety also has information for young people on Being out, transgender or gender diverse online.  

It may be hard to talk about the impacts of the age restrictions with your child, so you could try using eSafety’s sample conversation starters to raise the issue. There’s also a Get-ready guide you can use to help under-16s make practical preparations for the change, or they can fill out their own action plan with alternative ways to stay in touch with important people, communities and services.

Let them know it’s always OK to reach out for help if they’re struggling. Keep in mind they may not be comfortable about telling you, so together you could agree on other adults they can trust. You could also show them where to look up the free, confidential services listed on eSafety’s ‘I need help’ page for young people.  

Some behavioural changes are a normal part of growing up, but they could also be a warning that you need to check how your child is coping:

• Sudden changes in mood
• Avoiding conversations about their online activity
• Becoming secretive with devices
• Reduced participation in their usual interests or activities  
• School performance dropping
• Tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain
• Changes in eating patterns
• Reduced personal hygiene
• Obsession with particular websites or games
• Extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity
• Appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• Becoming quieter or withdrawn from friends and family 

No matter how old your child is, if they have a harmful experience online they should reach out for support – even if they are under 16 and it happens on an age-restricted social media platform.  

Depending on what has happened, there are different ways to get support from eSafety or other services. They won’t get into trouble.

eSafety’s 'I need help' page for young people has more detailed information and guidance on what they can do if something goes wrong online.  

 If they’re nervous about reporting to eSafety, they can speak first with a free, confidential support service like Kids Helpline (for 5- to 25-year-olds) or headspace (for 12- to 25-year-olds), Beyond Blue (for all ages), or choose another counselling or support service.

No, their account could still be removed or deactivated at any time.

Age-restricted platforms are expected to re-check the age of account holders if there are signals that they are likely to be under 16 – even if they passed through the first stage of an age check.

These signals can include:

• whether the account holder interacts with content targeted at children under 16
• analysis of the language level and style used by the account holder and the people they interact with
• visual content analysis (such as facial age analysis performed on photos and videos uploaded to the platform)
• audio analysis, such as age estimation of the voice of the account holder
• activity patterns consistent with school schedules
• connections with other users who appear to be under 16
• membership in youth-focused groups, forums or communities.

Also, age-restricted social media platforms should provide easy pathways for people to report that they believe an account holder is under 16, to trigger an age check - so that may happen to them.

Reports can be made to the platforms.

Age-restricted social media platforms should provide easy pathways for people to report that they believe an account holder is under 16, to trigger an age check. But platforms should also provide a way for users who are 16+ to appeal if they are flagged or removed by mistake or due to a false report.

If an under-16 has an account on an age-restricted social media platform, they are not breaking the law and no criminal charges or fines apply to them or their family because of this. It’s only age-restricted social media platforms that face penalties if they fail to take reasonable steps to stop under-16s creating or having accounts. 

This means that if your under-16 receives a request to pay a fine for being under 16 or for not having a verified account, it’s a scam – DO NOT PAY. (See Scamwatch)

There’s no mandatory reporting of users under 16 – for parents, educators or police. However, reporting use by an under-16 may help the platform to understand how they're getting around age checks, so it can tighten safety protections for all.

Various technologies can be used to check age, when someone is signing up for an account or later. The methods used by age-restricted social media platforms have to meet the regulatory requirements and respect privacy laws and digital rights. 

To reduce the risk of scams, platforms should clearly communicate the age-check steps account holders have to take, the information they have to give, and whether the platform is using a third-party age assurance provider – their ‘Help’ or ‘Support’ sections are a good place to look for latest details. We will also be updating The eSafety Guide with relevant links. 

It’s important to know that platforms can no longer just rely on a user providing a birthdate at account sign up. The platforms are expected to have ways to stop users faking their age using false identity documents, AI tools or deepfakes. They are also expected to try to stop under-16s from using VPNs to pretend to be outside Australia. 

No Australian will be forced to provide a government-issued ID or use an Australian Government accredited digital ID service to prove their age. Age-restricted social media platforms must offer reasonable alternatives to users.

Platforms have to comply with the Online Safety Act and the Privacy Act (including the Australian Privacy Principles) in handling any personal information they collect to check that a user is 16 or older. Personal information collected for this purpose can only be used for other purposes (like marketing) in certain circumstances, such as with the consent of the user. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has provided guidance on privacy.

There is a chance that some users who are 16+ may have their accounts removed or deactivated in error. Age-restricted platforms are expected to have processes to correct errors if someone is mistakenly missed by or included in the restrictions, so no one account is removed or deactivated unfairly. Platforms should provide clear instructions about how to request a review if a user has been age-restricted by mistake, as well as easy ways for people to report underage accounts.

If someone offers to sell your child a fake ID or direct access to an age-verified account, it’s probably a scam. They should NOT PAY or give them personal information. Check Scamwatch for more information.

Google is responsible for preventing under 16s from having their own accounts for purposes of accessing YouTube, regardless of whether or not those accounts are ‘condoned’ or ‘filtered’ by schools.  

Some learning management systems allow teachers to embed public video content from other platforms, such as YouTube. If the content is publicly available and does not require the student to log into an age-restricted social media platform, students are still allowed to watch this content. 

In these circumstances, it is up to the companies to determine how to deal with accounts that are used to log into multiple services. eSafety's focus is on ensuring companies are preventing under-16s from using their accounts to log into age-restricted social media platforms, as opposed to removing accounts that are used to access a broader range of services.

If your child doesn’t currently have any social media accounts, they won’t be directly affected by the age restrictions. However, 2025 research by eSafety shows some under-16s access social media services without a parent knowing. One in 10 (10%) children aged 8 to 12 said their parent or carer didn’t know about at least one of their social media accounts.

Also, your child could be affected by the impacts of age-restrictions on friends and classmates.

This means it’s still a good idea to talk with your under-16 about the social media restrictions, what it means for them, and the ways young people can stay connected or get help if they’re not coping with the change. Check eSafety’s Get-ready guide for parents and carers for more tips.

Age-restricted social media platforms are required to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

The onus is on the platforms to comply with the legislation and not on children, or their parents. If a platform considers that an account is held by a user under 16, the account may be removed or deactivated.

Many online services also have their own rules, guidelines, and terms of use about account management and user behaviour. These may include rules about running accounts for other people. You can check these rules directly with the platform to see if they allow parents or guardians to manage accounts on behalf of children who are too young to hold their own accounts.

The age restrictions are not aimed to punish or silence under-16s, but to protect them from the pressures and risks that come with having social media accounts. Under-16s can still share their perspectives in meaningful ways in alternative spaces both online and offline.

There are cases where accounts for under-16s are managed by a parent or adult, often to help build a profile for activities such as sport or music.

Age-restricted platforms are required to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts, so if a platform is satisfied that an account is held by a user under 16, and not their parent or another adult, the account should be removed or deactivated.  

Many online services also have their own rules, guidelines, and terms of use for account management and user behaviour. These may include rules about running accounts for other people. You can check these rules directly with the platform.