Australia’s U16 Social Media Ban: What Every Parent Needs to Know Now

Australia has recently announced a ban on social media for under 16s, which takes effect from the 10th December 2025. A move that has triggered global debate. The ban covers major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, and has left many parents wondering: Should my child be on social media at all? And if not, what can I do about it?

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Children’s maturity levels vary, and families have different needs and values.

But there is a growing body of research highlighting the impact that social media can have on young people, especially before their mid-teens. Understanding these risks, as well as the potential benefits, can help parents make confident, informed decisions.

 

 

What Does the Research Say?

 

The conversation around children and social media isn’t new, but it has sharpened in recent years. Studies have linked early and unrestricted social media use to:

• Increased anxiety and low mood
• Sleep disruption, especially when devices are used late at night
• Reduced self-esteem due to comparison with filtered or unrealistic content
• Exposure to harmful material, such as bullying, extreme dieting advice and disinformation
• Addictive use patterns created by notification loops and ‘infinite scrolls’

 

Much of this relates to the stage of development children are in. The pre-teen and early teen years are a period of rapid brain growth. Children at this stage are still learning emotional regulation, impulse control and how to judge risk, all of which social media challenges constantly.

 

 

This doesn’t mean platforms are universally harmful. Social apps can also help children:

• Connect with friends and feel part of a community
• Explore interests such as art, music, gaming or activism
• Access educational content
• Express themselves creatively

But the balance depends heavily on how mature the child is, how the platform is used, and what support they receive from adults.

 

 

Why Are So Many Parents Worried?

 

 

Parents today are navigating digital challenges that didn’t even exist ten years ago. Many feel caught between wanting to protect their child and not wanting them to feel left out socially.

Some of the biggest concerns we hear from parents include:

• “They say everyone in their class has social media.”
• “I don’t want them to see upsetting or inappropriate content.”
• “I can’t monitor everything, it feels impossible.”
• “What if they’re left out of friendship groups by not being online?”

These are valid worries and they reflect a difficult reality. Even if your child isn’t on social media, social media culture still affects them through peers, advertising and online trends.

This is why the goal isn’t simply to ban it completely or allow it freely, but instead to build digital resilience and ensure children are ready before stepping into social spaces online.

 

 

So… Should Under 16s Be on Social Media?

 

 

Children under 16 need careful, supported and age appropriate access, if any at all.

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

 

Under 11-12:

Most children this age are not developmentally ready for social media’s pressures. Offline communication and supervised messaging apps are generally more suitable.

 

Ages 13-15:

Some early teens can manage small, supported steps, such as private accounts, limited friends lists and time caps. Others may still find it overwhelming. Readiness varies hugely.

 

16+:

Most young people can start handling more independence online, but they still need guidance, especially around boundaries, wellbeing and digital literacy.

Rather than focusing only on age, look for signs your child may or may not be ready.

 

 

 

Signs Your Child Might Not Be Ready Yet

 

• Struggles with impulse control or becomes easily overwhelmed
• Sneaks devices or gets distressed when they can’t access them
• Shows high sensitivity to peer approval
• Has difficulty telling the difference between safe and unsafe online behaviour
• Can’t manage screen time boundaries without conflict

 

Signs Your Child May Be Ready

 

• Respects rules and boundaries
• Can talk openly about feelings, friendships and pressures
• Understands privacy and why it matters
• Has experience navigating smaller digital spaces (e.g. group chats)
• Shows good judgement about what is and isn’t appropriate online

 

What Parents Can Do

 

Even without nationwide bans, there are practical steps families can take to support digital wellbeing.

 

1. Create a Family Digital Agreement

This isn’t about punishment, it’s a shared set of expectations, and if you let your child help shape the rules, they’re far more likely to follow them. Include things like:

• No phones at mealtimes or after a certain time in the evening
• Time limits on apps
• Rules about friend requests and sharing photos

 

2. Keep Devices Out of Sleep Spaces

Sleep quality drops sharply when screens are used before bed. Charging devices downstairs is a simple but powerful habit.

 

3. Stay Curious and Involved

Instead of “What are you doing on your phone?”, build trust and keep communication open  by trying questions like:

• “I’m interested to see what you like watching. Can you show me?”
• “Who do you follow that makes you feel good?”

 

4. Encourage Offline Balance

Sport, hobbies, play and in-person friendships help buffer the emotional intensity that social media can create. These aren’t ‘extras’, they’re essential for healthy development.

 

5. Teach ‘Pause Before Posting’

Help children practise taking a breath before responding online. A moment’s pause can prevent arguments, misunderstandings and impulsive oversharing.

 

6. Be a Role Model

Children notice how we use our own devices. Showing healthy habits, such as putting your phone away during meals, speaks louder than lectures.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Australia’s ban has sparked an important global conversation. But regardless of whether or not similar restrictions are introduced in other countries, the heart of the issue remains the same: young people need guidance, boundaries and support to thrive in a digital world.

Social media can be creative, fun and connecting, but only when children are ready and only when the adults around them help set the stage for safe and balanced use. The most powerful tool parents have isn’t a government ban, it’s ongoing, open, calm conversations and an approach that puts wellbeing first.