Information for family about the proposed social media ban

 

The proposed ban may come as a relief for many parents/carers who have been concerned about the impact of social media on their children and young people. 

However, many young people will feel upset, worried or angry about these proposed changes. This includes both young people who will be impacted by the ban (those under 16 years) and those not impacted (over 16) due to the sense of this being imposed or ‘done to’ them. 

This is a great time to open up a conversation with your young people about their thoughts and feelings regarding social media. We have some time before the changes come into effect, so the opportunity is there to connect and discuss this with your young person, hear their point of view and for them to bring you into their online world.

 

What we know about the proposed social media ban so far

What is being proposed?

The Australian Government’s proposed policy is that people under the age of 16 will not be able access social media platforms. It will be against the law for a social media platform to allow anyone under the age of 16 to have an account. 

Who will it affect?

The Government has introduced legislation which, if passed, would set a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media platforms. All young people under the age of 16 in Australia, regardless of whether they have current access, will be affected. 

When will it happen?  

The Government introduced legislation to Parliament in November 2024, and if passed, is predicted to come into effect in 12 months’ time.

What platforms are being banned and which ones aren’t?

It is likely the ban will include all major platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook. The Government has stated that they will allow exemptions for messaging apps, online gaming services, and services with the primary purpose of supporting health and education (like headspace, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom). Young people will also be able to watch videos on YouTube, since content can be viewed without first signing into an account. However, the full list of exempted platforms is yet to be confirmed. 

If young people already have an account will they be kicked off?

Under the proposed legislation, yes. Even if young people already have accounts, after the ban come into effect, anyone under 16 will not be allowed on certain social media platforms. There will be no ‘grandfathering’ arrangements (wondering what grandfathering means? Check out key terms and definitions in our guide for young people).

What if I give my parental/guardian consent? 

This won't make a difference. The Government’s proposal is that parents (or other guardians) can’t give their consent for their young people to access social media before they are 16 years of age. 

How will they enforce this?

The Government has said that they want the responsibility to be placed upon the platforms and their companies to enforce the age restriction, rather than upon young people and their families. While the Government hasn’t dictated exactly how platforms have to comply, at a minimum they will be required to implement some form of age assurance.  

As you can see there are lots of things that are still uncertain and yet to be determined. What is banned? From when? Who regulates? 

Supporting young people through change

We know that uncertainty around change can be unsettling, so now is a great time to chat to young people in your life about their use of social media, and their thoughts about the proposed ban. 

The period of adolescence is one of discovery and challenges. Young people are navigating friendship and relationship ups and downs, stress and pressure, concerns about their appearance, abilities and future, understanding and exploring their identity, where they fit in the world, and struggles with their mental health and wellbeing.

Young people will continue to seek information, inspiration and role models. As their family, we want to be a part of these conversations, including helping them to find trustworthy and safe sources of truth and opportunities for connection and shared experiences. 

This proposed ban will not automatically shift young people to the offline world - they will continue to have online and offline spaces. The proposed ban offers a unique opportunity for family to open up a conversation and learn more about your young person’s experiences in both spaces. 

Some ideas for opening up the conversation… 

  • What do they think about the proposed ban? (Be open and let them finish…) 

  • What do they like about social media and what might they miss if the ban would affect them? 

  • What might be the benefits of a ban - what won’t they miss? Are there things they’re glad younger kids won’t be exposed to? 

  • Do they think the ban will work?  

  • Which platforms should be in or out of the ban? 

 

Some tips on how to have a constructive conversation 

  • Try to avoid having a rigid stance like ‘this is for your own good,’ as this shuts down conversation.

  • Be open to their feelings and try not to minimise - this may well feel punitive and unfair to young people.

  • Be curious and accepting of what they say are the good things - even if you don’t agree.

  • Validate and take seriously their concerns. For example, if your child is younger than their friends, they may be concerned about being excluded/ feeling left out if their friends are able to access social media before them. Even a few weeks difference could feel like a lifetime to them.

  • Ask them to share with you what they do (or were looking forward to doing) on social media.

 

What else could be helpful for me to do?

  • Educate yourself about the different social media and online platforms – what is out there? 

 

  • Understand the potential harms online (not only on social media) and how to protect yourself and your young people against them or report them. See helpful resources below.

 

  • Recognise that whatever form the ban takes, children and young people will still need support to navigate and handle the challenges of being a teenager and how to manage their online and offline worlds. 

 

 

 

Helpful resources

 

Helpful tips on navigating your relationship with your young person 

 

Guides on keeping your young person safe online 

 

Understanding when a young person needs support with their mental health  

 

 

The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.  

This page was last updated 21 November 2024.