Social Media Age Restrictions
From 10 December 2025, the Australian Government has introduced new rules meaning that many popular social media platforms must prevent Australians under 16 years old from creating or maintaining accounts.
For full details, FAQs and up-to-date information on which platforms are restricted, visit the eSafety website.
Which platforms are affected?
As of December 2025, major platforms required to enforce the age restriction include:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- Threads
- Kick
- Reddit
- Twitch
See the full list here.
What does this mean for young people and families?
- Under 16's won't automatically be penalised if they have or create accounts, the law targets the platforms, not individuals or parents.
- If platforms don't comply (i.e. allow under 16 accounts), they face fines up to AUD 49.5 million.
- Under 16's can still view publicly available content (that doesn't require logging in), but without an account, they lose many features that come with being logged in.
- The aim is to protect young people from common online harms associated with social media, such as addictive design, mental health impacts, exposure to harmful or manipulative content, pressure to respond to constant notifications, and other risks to wellbeing.
What can you do, and how we as a youth service can support?
- Talk with young people, help them understand the change is meant to protect them, not punish them.
- Use the resources from eSafety: there are guides, FAQs, tools and wellbeing supports for young people if they feel stressed, excluded or uncertain about what this change means.
- Encourage health offline habits, such as more time for hobbies, face to face connection and offline support networks.
- Explore local programs at youth centres, libraries and community organisations. These can offer safe spaces to connect, learn new skills and get support.
Mental health and wellbeing support
If you or a young person is feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unsure about these social media changes, support is available. Reaching out early can make a big different.
- School: All schools have a wellbeing team, counsellors or student support staff who can provide confidential support.
- headspace: Free, youth friendly mental health support for young people aged 12 - 25. Find your local centre or access online support at https://headspace.org.au/
- Beyond Blue: Support for anyone feeling anxious, down or struggling. Phone: 1300 22 4636. Online chat and resources: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Kids Helpline (for young people 5 - 25): Confidential counselling and support via phone, webchat or email. Phone: 1800 55 1800. Chat: https://kidshelpline.com.au/
- Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs urgent support. Phone: 13 11 14. Text: 0477 131 114. Chat: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
If you have any further questions or would like support linking into a service, you can contact Hume Youth Services 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday on 9205 2556 or via email, youth@hume.vic.gov.au.