On 10 December 2025, Australia will enforce a social media ban for users under 16. This is a world-first move designed to protect young people from harmful content and reduce excessive screen time. This isn’t just a policy change; it’s a legal obligation under the amended Online Safety Act 2021.
Social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating or keeping accounts. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to $49.5 million, along with reputational damage for companies that ignore the law.
For Foster Carers, Guardians, Parents, and other caregivers, this is an opportunity to actively safeguard children’s wellbeing. While there are no penalties for parents or carers, your role in guiding young people through this transition is critical helping them understand why these changes exist and supporting healthy digital habits.
The new age restrictions are designed to shield under-16s from the pressures and risks built into social media platforms. These platforms use design features that:
Research links these features to serious impacts on health and wellbeing, including higher stress levels, poor sleep, and reduced concentration.
But that’s not all—social media can also expose young people to cyberbullying, requests for sexual images, and disturbing content such as pornography or violence.
The government is finalising the list, but as of 17th October 2025, the ban will apply to major platforms including:
• Facebook • Instagram • Kick
• Reddit • Snapchat • Threads
• TikTok • X • YouTube
• Discord • Google Classroom • GitHub
• Lego Play • Messenger • Roblox
• Steam • Steam chat • WhatsApp
• YouTube Kids
You won’t have to say “yes” or “no” to social media forever—just “not yet.” This law ensures your child isn’t missing out because all under-16s are restricted, giving you peace of mind.
This delay is a breathing space:
• Time to talk about online safety and wellbeing.
• Time for your child to build digital, social, and emotional skills.
• Time to help them understand the importance of asking for help if things go wrong.
There are 30-minute information sessions being run by the Australian Government e-safety Commission. The sessions are on:
14th November - 1pm
19th November - 7pm
2nd December - 7pm
8th December - 3.30pm
15th December - 1pm
20 December - 12.30pm
Below is a list of recommended resources and links to help you navigate these changes. We encourage all foster carers to familiarise themselves with the change and its implications.
If you have any concerns about how this may affect your young person’s mental health or wellbeing, please contact your Casework team. They can assist and, if needed, coordinate a conversation with the young person’s clinical team to ensure the right support is in place.
These resources including an action plan that may assist you to help young people get ready for the change:
This is a big change for our children and young people. They may feel isolated, lonely, and disconnected from their peers or people close to them. We have listed below some tips and resources that may help with these feelings and thoughts.
If you need assistance understanding the information, please reach out to your Casework team.