What platforms are included in the age-restricted social media law?
What are the social media age restrictions?
- Platforms are required by law to deactivate accounts for users they believe are under 16.
- The way profiles are deactivated and how the social media platforms let users know is up to each platform.
- Young people are still able to view social media content that doesn’t require them to log in to an account, and they can still use unrestricted apps to connect with friends.
- Penalties for under-16s accessing an age-restricted social media platform fall on the platform itself, not on young people or their parents or carers.
What’s the impact of social media on mental health?
Social media has the potential to affect how people feel about themselves, sometimes causing stress. It can make us worry that we’re “missing out” if we’re not online, serve content people don’t want to see and hook people into scrolling even when they want to stop.
Social media can also help young people feel connected and part of something. It can be a space for expressing creativity and exploring identity, relieving boredom, or finding mental health information and support. Losing access might be emotionally tough for young people and their families.
Tips for helping a young person with social media age restrictions
Talk about it: Let them know you’re available and willing to talk about how social media and the restrictions might affect them.
Stay calm and curious: Listen without judgement to what they’re saying. Social media may be a big part of their life.
Ask open questions: Use questions like “what do you think about…?” rather than a question that needs a yes or no answer. Give them time to respond – even if they need hours, or days, to form their thoughts.
Validate their feelings: Change can be hard, especially when it affects friendships and identity. Let them know you understand that.
Focus on their strengths: Remind them of their creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.
Find alternatives together: Young people use social media for a range of reasons. Help them understand the role social media has played in their life and explore other ways of finding those benefits, like sports, hobbies, volunteering or creative activities.
Tips for families to adapt to social media age restrictions
Encourage everyone to reduce screen time and keep devices out of sight where possible, to help change habits.
Create screen-free zones at home (like no phones at the dinner table).
Get support for yourself too – adults may not have all the answers, and that’s OK. Find answers from reliable sources like the eSafety Commissioner, talk to other parents and carers, and reach out to Beyond Blue if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Signs a young person may be struggling with the social media restrictions
For many young people, these changes will bring up strong emotions. For some, it could affect their mental health. Look out for these signs that they need more support:
Compulsive phone use or distress when access is restricted
Changes in mood or behaviour
Irritability or increased tension, anxiety, worry or angry outbursts
Reduced interest in their favourite activities
Withdrawal from friends or family
Trouble sleeping
Friendship issues
Impacts on school life such as a decline in motivation or school refusal
If these signs last more than a couple of weeks, consider getting some more support.
Building new connections
It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious about losing access to social media, especially if you’ve used it for support or connecting with friends.
Beyond Blue has created a special online forum for young people to share, connect and support each other as they adjust to life without social media.
Staying connected and finding support
There are plenty of friendly places and people ready to help – whether you or a young person you’re caring for is looking for advice, someone to talk to, or just a way to connect with others.
Here are some trusted ways to find support and stay connected:
