Cyber safety for older kids and teens: What the new social media laws mean for your family

From 10 December 2025, a new Australian law (the Online Safety Amendment, Social Media Minimum Age Act 2024) came into effect. It means many popular social media platforms will need to stop Australians under 16 from having accounts.

This change comes from growing concerns about the pressures and risks young people face online, especially as they move into their teenage years. But even with new laws, staying safe online still relies on guidance, open conversations and support at home.

We understand that this change may be tricky for families to navigate. To help families out, we have written a simple guide below to help older kids, teens, parents and carers understand what the changes mean, and how to stay safe online together.

What the new law does and what it does not do

·       Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X must take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from holding accounts.

·       Children and parents will not be penalised. The responsibility is on the platforms.

·       Young people under 16 will still be able to view public content that does not require logging in.

·       Messaging-only apps, many games, educational tools and health services are not included, so under 16s can still use many digital services safely.

So, while some things are changing, this is not a total to being online or all online platforms. It is a shift in how social media companies are regulated in an attempt to better protect young people.

Why this matters for teens and families

For many teens, social media can be a fun place to connect with friends, share interests and express themselves. But it can also come with challenges. Some of the concerns that been the drive behind the new laws include:

•           Features like endless scrolling, autoplay and algorithms that encourage long periods online which may affect mental health.

•           Exposure to inappropriate or upsetting content, cyberbullying or comparisons that impact self-esteem.

•           Younger teens may find it harder to manage tricky situations involving privacy, peer pressure or identity.

Families can utilise these new laws to introduce new healthy online habits as a family, which provides a foundation for their young people to have the skills and maturity to navigate social media platforms when they reach the age of 16.

What families can do now

Here are some supportive and practical ways to use this transition as an opportunity to build safer online routines.

Think about readiness, not just age
Instead of asking only whether your child is old enough, consider whether they are cognitively and emotionally ready. Talk about what they hope to gain from social media and problem solve with them what challenges they might come across.

Keep the conversations going
Explain the new laws in simple terms. Let your child ask questions and share how they feel. Ongoing, honest conversations with you is a way you can help your child to stay safe online.

Explore safer ways to stay connected
Under 16s can still use many online tools such as messaging apps, games, creative platforms and educational services. These can provide connection and fun without the pressure of full social media.

Create clear expectations as a family
If your child will use social media in the future, agree on what safe and respectful online behaviour looks like. Talk about privacy, time limits, and what to do if something online feels uncomfortable.

Focus on wellbeing
Families can use this change as a chance to value mental health, physical health, real-life connection and balance between online and offline life. Find alternative recreational activities your child can enjoy that don’t require a screen.

A message for teens

If you are a young person reading this, you might be feeling frustrated or confused about these changes.

Social media can feel like a big part of being a teenager and an important way you connect with your friends. But there are many other ways that you can connect with those people who are important to you, and you deserve to be able to access safe, supportive spaces, both online and offline, which is what these laws are aiming to create.
If you decide to wait before using social media, that is completely ok. If you come back to it when you feel more ready, that is great. If you ever need a break or someone to talk to, reach out. It is normal to need support.

Your life is bigger, brighter and braver than a screen will ever show.

Reference: Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner