Chat to a clinician
Find a centre
Emergency assistance
Donate now
Social media ban
Are you under 16 or a family member who supports a young person?
Did you know that ‘aged-restricted’ social media platforms are going to be banned for young people under the age of 16 from December 10, 2025.
We get it, it is a big change to navigate. So here at headspace we are on the journey with you to provide support and help.
For family members
Navigating the ban
The social media ban will be a big change for young people under 16 years, some may feel upset, worried or angry, these feelings are normal.
If you know young people under 16 years, it would be helpful to ask about their thoughts and feelings regarding social media, and check-in.
For more information about navigating change Click here
Conversation starter tips
Over the years social media has played a big part of young people’s lives. Young people use it to connect with family and friends, build community, relax, explore identity, for self-expression and staying informed.
There have been mixed feelings about the change with some young people say that they are largely unaffected, and some say the changes are confusing, frustrating, isolating or even distressing.
However, to navigate these mixed feelings, families can have a conversation with the young person and check-in on how they are feeling leading up to the ban and be reassuring that they have support and help when needed.
For conversation starter and support tips:
For young people
Staying safe when the ban is in place
From 10 December, some social media apps will change their rules for people under 16. You might be asked to verify your age, lose access to your account, or have it paused or deleted.
While there are still some details to work through, there are ways to stay safe, protect your privacy, and stay close with your friends ahead of the changes.
For more information about staying safe when the ban is in place Click here
Staying informed
What will the social media ban mean for you? Click here to find out more
Navigating change
We understand that social media is a big part of young people’s lives, where many connect with friends, find community, share what we care about, explore identity, have fun, express creativity and keep up to date with the world.
However, there is other ways to still stay connected this includes calling and messaging on your phone, catching up in person and using apps that are not part of the ban.
For more information on how you can navigate the change:
For more information, please visit our social media ban hub
If the changes are difficult for a young person, acknowledge their feelings and validate the importance of their online communities. Link them to culturally responsive, identity-affirming supports such as QLife, 13YARN, headspace, or community-specific networks.
How to get support
If a young person you know is having a tough time and would benefit from support at headspace, they can get in touch with their local headspace centre or use our online or phone-based service at eheadspace.
For immediate help contact: triple zero (000) if it is an emergency
National 24/7 crisis services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Additional youth support services include:
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 sane.org