Social Media Delay & Reconnect Club

Social Media Delay

• What is it? Young people under 16 will be unable to use social media starting 10 December 2025. Age-restricted platforms include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube (except YouTube Kids), Reddit, Threads, Twitch, Facebook, Kick, & X (Twitter). 
• Will I get in trouble? Young people and family and friends will not be punished. Social media companies will be fined for not enforcing the law.
• What is the purpose? The delay aims to protect young people's wellbeing, reduce cyberbullying, prevent exposure to harmful content, and allow time to learn about online risks, critical thinking about what we see, and resilience and coping skills.

Join our Reconnect Club

• A social group for ages 12-16 to meet in-person and make new friends!
• Thursdays 4:30-6:00pm at headspace Cannington, starting 18 December
• Enjoy free snacks and fun activities - board games, scrapbook journalling, clay, & painting
• Sign up & see details here!

Practical steps

• Save copies of posts, videos, stories, and Snapchat memories
• Make your account private and archive posts (imagine applying for a job later)
• Get your friends' phone numbers
• Be aware of scams promising to re-activate your account - free VPNs are not safe and sell your data
• Cancel subscriptions to social media platforms

Plan

• How you'll hang out with friends - calling, in-person, emails
• Activities you'll do e.g., board games, colouring, sport
• Write down your favourite influencers so you can look for podcasts, newsletters, or blogs

Acknowledge your feelings

• It is normal to feel annoyed, confused, anxious, or that you are missing out
• Changes to routine can be uncomfortable
• Everyone under 16 is going through the same shift
• Chat with a trusted adult about your feelings and ask them to help you plan

Reach out to a mental health service

Information from Paris McNeil's Social Media Ban Resource Pack & eSafety Commissioner website.