A parent’s guide to helping teens adapt to age restrictions on social media

What are the new rules and where can I find updates?

The eSafety Commissioner, who is overseeing the introduction of the restrictions, says the changes are designed to protect under-16s from pressures and risks they may be exposed to while logged into social media accounts.

How can I talk to my child about the changes?

Dr. Catherine Page Jeffery, senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney, says parents need to start by recognizing how important social media is in young people’s lives. Many teens use platforms as their main way to talk to friends, share interests and build identity. By recognizing this, children feel heard instead of rejected.

The responsibility lies with the platforms themselves. There are no penalties for parents or children if someone under the age of sixteen still has an account after the start date. Source: iStockphoto / Dragon Claws/Getty Images

Parents can start the conversation by asking:

• What do you think of the coming changes?
• What are you most concerned about?
• What do you think could be difficult?

This creates space for honesty and ensures that young people feel supported rather than controlled.

How can my child stay connected?

Options may include:

• Messaging apps are not included in the ban
• More regular face-to-face meetings
• Group chats on platforms are still accessible without accounts
• Encouraging participation in community, cultural or school activities

For some young people – especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ communities, rural areas or people with disabilities – online spaces provide a connection that they may not find as easy offline. Supporting them in building multiple avenues of connection can reduce feelings of loss.

Social media companies will have to take reasonable steps to prevent people under the age of 16 from having accounts on their platforms. Source: iStockphoto / Ekkasit Jokthong/Getty Images

How do I support my child when he/she feels isolated?

Some teens may feel upset, anxious, or disconnected from peers. Parents can:

• Validate their emotions (“It makes sense that you feel this way.”)
• Remind them that they are not losing friendships, just changing the way they connect.
• Help determine which peers they would most like to keep in touch with.
• Create opportunities for safe, monitored online spaces recommended by experts, such as My circle for the children’s helpline or Beyond Blue Forums.

Leo Hede, a manager at Kids Helpline, also suggests building open communication and trust with your children. This means reassuring them that they can come to you if something goes wrong online without fear of getting into trouble.

Parents should not dismiss their children’s feelings. Source: iStockphoto / Antonio_Diaz/Getty Images

What practical steps should I take before closing accounts?

Parents and youth can work together to prepare:

• Save photos, videos, chats and online memories from existing accounts.
• Make a list of the friends they want to keep in touch with and decide how to reach them
• Discover alternative apps and safe online communities.
• Set boundaries for device use that still enable connection and wellness

Even if accounts aren’t deleted immediately, early preparation can reduce stress.

Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking to their children about online life. Credit: Johner Images/Getty Images/Johner RF

What should I do after the ban comes into effect?

Once the ban comes into effect, parents should continue talking to their children about online life. Risks exist across the internet, not just social media, so supporting digital wellbeing remains essential.

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