Online safety for grandparents and carers
Using computers and other internet-connected devices can be a great way for kids to play, learn and socialise – but there are also risks.
As a grandparent or carer, you have an important role to play in protecting the online safety of the children in your life. But knowing how to help them can be tricky, especially if you are not a tech expert. Our Online safety for grandparents and carers guide is designed to make it easier for you.
Social media changes are coming
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australians under 16 create or keep an account.
What you need to know:
- The age restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube, as well as other platforms. See the latest list.
- Under-16s will still be able to see publicly available social media content that doesn’t require logging into an account.
- Most standalone gaming and messaging apps, as well as many services that support health and education, will not be affected by the new law.
- There are no penalties for under-16s who access an account on an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents, grandparents or carers. This is about making the platforms take greater responsibility for the safety of children – they face fines of up to $49.5 million dollars if they don’t take reasonable steps to implement the changes.
For more, visit eSafety’s frequently asked questions.
Join a free information webinar about the new laws.
You can use these resources to talk about the changes and support the children and young people you care for to understand what is happening.
Explore eSafety resources for young people
- FAQs for young people – answers to common questions
- Get-ready guide for under 16s, with a personal action plan to fill out
- I need help – something has happened online
Grandparents and carers guide
The Online safety for grandparents and carers guide provides advice about online safety issues that can affect children and young people. It includes a range of practical tips to help you talk about issues and manage them.
You will find information on many topics, from setting up devices safely right through to managing time online, dealing with cyberbullying and preventing unsafe contact from strangers.
There is also a section about online gaming and social media use, with a handy guide to some of the most popular sites and apps. (Please keep in mind that information on social media use was written prior to the new social media age restriction laws and is being updated.)
Read the guide now
Download a copy for later
A copy of this guide can be downloaded to your own computer or device, so you can read it offline when you have no internet connection. You can even print it yourself, from the file.
Click on this file link to download the guide:
Order the guide
The guide is also available as a printed hardcopy, free of charge to Australian residents. Click on the 'ORDER NOW' button below and fill out your details on the email that appears, then we will send it to you.
Learn digital skills with Be Connected
You can learn more about using the internet safely and improve your digital skills and knowledge on the Be Connected website. Be Connected provides free online courses, presentations and resources for older Australians.
More tips for carers
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This resource has been developed by eSafety as part of the Be Connected Initiative. Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative developed to increase the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians.
Last updated: 01/12/2025