From 10 December 2025, new rules introduced by the Commonwealth Government and enforced by the eSafety Commissioner will require many social media platforms to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
In a world-first regulatory move, Australians under 16 will no longer be permitted to hold accounts on certain major social media platforms. This landmark change places the responsibility on platforms, not parents or young people, to ensure compliance with the new minimum-age requirements.
Which Social Platforms are Affected?
The eSafety Commissioner has identified the following platforms as “age-restricted social media platforms” required to comply:
This list may change as new platforms emerge or existing platforms update their features.
What the Law Requires
Under the new regulations:
- Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent those under 16 from holding accounts.
- Non-compliant platforms may face civil penalties of up to $49.5 million.
- Existing accounts held by individuals under 16 are expected to be suspended or deactivated once the law takes effect, with an option for users to download or transfer their data.
- Under-16s can still view public content that does not require a login.
- Services whose primary purpose is messaging, online gaming, education or health support are excluded.
These changes do not amount to a ban on internet use for young people; they specifically target platforms with social-networking and interactive posting features.
Why the Change?
The reforms aim to protect young people from design features in social media linked to poorer mental health and wellbeing, including:
- Peer pressure to spend time online
- Exposure to harmful content
- Excessive screen time
- Impacts on sleep, concentration and emotional health
By delaying access to social media until at least 16, the law seeks to give young people more time to develop resilience and digital literacy. There are no penalties for young people or parents if an under-16 account slips through. All obligations fall on the platforms.
What this Means for Families
Families with children aged 12–15 can expect major social media platforms to suspend accounts from early December.
This is a good time to:
- Prepare children for upcoming account changes
- Encourage alternatives such as messaging apps, gaming platforms or offline activities
- Discuss healthy digital habits, privacy and wellbeing
- Review how children will stay socially connected
Why This Matters to Southern Waters Legal and Our Clients
At Southern Waters Legal, we practice in family law, wills & estates, elder law and property, among other areas. These changes may intersect with the experiences of many of our clients:
- Family law & parenting
For families navigating parenting arrangements, this change may affect how children communicate with peers, extended family or support networks. Parents may need to adjust expectations around online communication or incorporate these changes into parenting discussions.
- Digital assets and estate planning
As more of life moves online, social media presence forms part of a person’s digital legacy. With age restrictions reshaping online behaviour for young people, families may start earlier conversations about digital identity and what happens to online accounts in the future.
- Elder law & staying connected
Grandparents and older relatives may rely on social media to stay in touch with younger family members. With under-16s moving to alternative platforms, families may benefit from discussing new ways to stay connected.
This shift is an opportunity for families to reflect on digital habits, privacy, healthy communication and long-term digital wellbeing.
What Should Families Do Now?
- Review any social media accounts held by children under 16.
- Backup data such as photos, messages or contacts if accounts are expected to be suspended.
- Discuss alternatives for staying connected (messaging apps, gaming platforms, offline activities).
- Talk openly with children about the purpose of the reforms and how to navigate the change positively.
- For separated or blended families, consider whether communication arrangements for children need adjustments.
- Stay updated through trusted sources such as the eSafety Commissioner’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub.
The social media age restrictions taking effect on 10 December 2025 represent a significant shift in how Australian children interact online. While the changes may feel challenging, they offer families an opportunity to revisit digital habits, encourage healthier online behaviours, and plan ahead in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
If you’re unsure how these changes might affect your family or current arrangements, contact our experienced team at Southern Waters Legal on (02) 9523 5535 or info@southernwaters.com.au. We can guide you through these changes and help ensure your family is prepared for what’s ahead.
