What is happening and when?

As of 5 November 2025, it is eSafety’s view that Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube are services that will be age restricted platforms. Platforms they believe will NOT be age restricted are Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam & Steam Chat, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.

eSafety has assessed each service to determine whether it falls under the age-restricted category and is therefore required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from holding social media accounts from 10 December 2025. Not all platforms will be restricted. The Online Safety Rules 2025 outline the classes of services that are not considered age-restricted social media platforms.

Why is it happening?

These changes introduce a delay, not a permanent ban, on children under 16 using social media. The aim is to protect Australian children from the pressures and significant safety risks they may encounter online.

Social media platforms expose children under 16 to features designed to capture and hold their attention. These features can affect their health and wellbeing by:

• Creating pressure to keep up with the latest posts
• Reducing the amount of sleep they get
• Making it harder to switch off and focus on other activities
• Encouraging constant comparison with others
• Exposing them to negative, upsetting, or manipulative content in their feeds.

How are the changes being made?

Age restrictions will apply to social media platforms that meet three specific conditions. The conditions for age restriction are:

• the sole purpose, or a significant purpose, of the service is to enable online social interaction between two or more end-users
• the service allows end-users to link to, or interact with, some or all the other end-users
• the service allows end-users to post material on the service.

What are the penalties for not following the new legislation?

There will be no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers. However, age-restricted social media platforms may face penalties if they don’t take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

A court can order penalties for platforms that don’t take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from having accounts on their platforms. This includes fines of up to 150,000 penalty units for corporations – currently equivalent to a total of $49.5 million AUD.

Useful information

Educators

Age restrictions may apply to some platforms that schools currently use for educational or communication purposes, so alternative options may need to be explored.

Learning management systems that enable educators to share materials, manage assignments and communicate with students—and that allow students to access resources, submit work and collaborate—will be excluded from these restrictions.

Most apps and platforms designed primarily for messaging or online gaming, as well as online services that provide health or educational information and support, will remain accessible to users under 16.

Families

eSafety has developed resources for parents and carers to help prepare their under-16s for the upcoming changes. The guide includes tips on supporting young people to find alternative ways to connect with friends, pursue their interests, express themselves, learn new things, and stay entertained.

It’s important to start talking with your child now about these changes. Help them understand how the updates may affect their daily routine, social interactions, and mental health, and work together to prepare for the transition.

Children

The aim of these changes is to give children more time to develop emotional, social and digital skills. These skills will help them recognise when online experiences may be becoming harmful and understand what actions they can take to stay safe.

Under-16s will still be able to view publicly available social media content that doesn’t require logging into an account. They can also continue using a range of messaging apps that are not age-restricted to stay socially connected.

It’s important for children to remain connected with the people and groups that support them. If social media has been their main way of maintaining these connections or accessing entertainment, the change may feel like a loss. Having open conversations about their concerns and exploring alternative ways of communicating and connecting can help them adjust.

If you’re feeling confused, isolated or unsure about where to turn, help is available:

• Kids Helpline (for 5- to 25-year-olds, including 24/7 phone and online support)
• Headspace (for 12- to 25-year-olds, or anyone concerned about 12 to 25-year-olds )
• Beyond Blue (for all ages, including 24/7 webchat)

Useful links and resources

• Restrictions Hub Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner
• Toolkit for school Toolkit for Schools | eSafety Commissioner
• For parents Social media age restrictions and your family| eSafety Commissioner
• How to talk about social media age restrictions with under-16s | eSafety Commissioner
• For Young people Social media age restrictions and your family| eSafety Commissioner
• For Educators What do the social media age restrictions mean for educators? | eSafety Commissioner
• Get ready guide Social media age restrictions: Get-ready guide for under-16s | eSafety Commissioner
• Training for educators | eSafety Commissioner
• Webinars parents and educators Social media age restrictions webinars | eSafety Commissioner
• Resources Kit and templates