Australian Parenting and Online Safety Guide
What Australia's New Social Media Age Limit Law Means for Parents
Australia has introduced a minimum-age requirement for certain social media accounts, changing how children and teenagers access some of the most popular online platforms. For parents and carers, understanding the new rules is important for supporting children, managing expectations and keeping family conversations about online safety constructive.
The social media minimum-age restrictions took effect on 10 December 2025. Under the law, covered platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. The requirement is directed at platforms rather than imposing penalties on children or their parents.
This guide explains what the law means for families, which services are affected, what children can still do online and how parents can help children adjust. Because the official list of covered services can change, parents should check the eSafety Commissioner website for the latest information.
Quick Facts for Australian Parents
- Start date: 10 December 2025.
- Minimum age: 16 for accounts on covered social media platforms.
- Who must comply? Covered social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts.
- Are parents fined? No penalties apply to children or their parents simply because an under-16 has an account on an age-restricted platform.
- Is all internet access prohibited? No. Children can continue using many online services, including services that are not covered by the restrictions.
- Who provides official guidance? The Australian eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Government.
1. What Is Australia's Social Media Minimum-Age Law?
Australia's social media minimum-age law is a national requirement introduced through amendments to the Online Safety Act 2021. It requires certain social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent people living in Australia who are under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.
The law is intended to reduce children's exposure to risks associated with social media accounts, including harmful content and platform features that can encourage prolonged engagement, social comparison and repeated checking.
The restriction is sometimes described as a social media ban, but the practical effect is more specific: under-16s are restricted from holding accounts on covered services. It is not a blanket prohibition on using the internet, learning online, accessing support or viewing publicly available content where a service permits access without an account.
For parents, this means that family discussions can focus on understanding the rules, finding suitable alternatives and continuing to teach safe online behaviour.
2. When Did the New Rules Start?
The social media minimum-age requirements took effect on 10 December 2025. From that date, covered platforms have been required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts.
The Australian Government and eSafety Commissioner have continued to publish guidance and updates about how the restrictions operate. The rules defining covered services were updated in March 2026, and the assessment of individual platforms may evolve as services change.
Parents should therefore avoid relying on an old platform list, a news headline or a social media post to determine whether a particular app is currently covered.
3. Which Social Media Platforms Are Age-Restricted?
The eSafety Commissioner identifies a range of services that are required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts. The official list includes major platforms such as:
Social networking and sharing
Photos, videos and social feeds
TikTok
Short-form video and recommendations
YouTube
Video sharing and social features
Snapchat
Messaging and disappearing content
Communities and discussion forums
Threads and X
Posts and public conversations
Kick and Twitch
Livestreaming and community features
Other services may also be covered. The eSafety Commissioner has published information about services that have been assessed as age-restricted, including additional services identified through its ongoing assessment process.
This list is a guide to major platforms, not a permanent or exhaustive list. A service's legal status can depend on its features and purpose, and the official assessment may change.
4. Which Apps Can Children Still Use?
The restrictions do not cover every app, website or digital service. Under-16s can continue to use services that are not subject to the minimum-age requirement, subject to each service's own age limits, terms and safety rules.
According to the eSafety Commissioner's published guidance, examples of services that are not currently treated as age-restricted social media platforms include:
- Discord
- GitHub
- Google Classroom
- LEGO Play
- Messenger
- Roblox
- Steam and Steam Chat
- YouTube Kids
This does not mean that every child is automatically eligible to use every service on the list. Individual products may have their own minimum ages, parental consent requirements or account rules. The status of a service under Australian law can also change.
Parents should check the current official list and the service's own terms before setting up an account for a child.
5. Can Children Still Watch Videos or Read Public Posts?
Yes, in some circumstances. Under-16s can still access publicly available social media content that does not require logging into an account, where the platform allows it.
For example, a child may be able to watch a publicly accessible video or read a public post without having a registered account. Access will depend on the platform, its settings and the content being viewed.
The law does not guarantee that every public post or video will be available without an account. Some services limit viewing, require sign-in for particular features or apply other age and safety controls.
Parents should continue discussing age-appropriate content, advertising, privacy, misinformation and the risks of clicking unfamiliar links, even when a child is not signed in.
6. Will Parents or Children Be Fined?
The social media minimum-age requirement places the legal responsibility on covered platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. There are no penalties for children or their parents or carers simply because an under-16 has access to an account on an age-restricted platform.
The consequences for a platform that fails to meet its legal obligations can be substantial. Government guidance states that covered platforms may face penalties of up to AUD $109.2 million if they do not take reasonable steps to comply.
This does not mean that parents should ignore account access or platform rules. It means that the law is designed to make platforms responsible for their compliance rather than punishing children and families.
Official source: Australian Government social media minimum age information
7. How Will Platforms Check a User's Age?
Covered platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. To meet this obligation, services may use age-assurance processes designed to estimate or verify a person's age.
The methods used can vary between services. A platform may ask a user to complete an age check or may use other permitted approaches. Parents should follow the official instructions provided by the relevant platform rather than assuming that every service uses the same process.
Age assurance raises important questions about privacy and personal information. Families should be cautious about unofficial websites, messages or links claiming to verify a child's age. Use only the platform's official app or website and read the privacy information provided during the process.
For official information about privacy protections and the minimum-age scheme, consult the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Official source: OAIC social media minimum-age privacy guidance
8. What Should Parents Do If Their Child Already Has an Account?
If your child is under 16 and has an account on a covered platform, start by checking the current rules and the platform's official guidance. An account may be restricted, removed or deactivated as the service implements its obligations.
- Check the platform list. Confirm whether the service is currently covered by the age restrictions.
- Talk to your child. Explain the change calmly and give them an opportunity to express their concerns.
- Review account information. Check the platform's official instructions about account access, data and available account-management options.
- Save important information appropriately. If the platform provides a legitimate way to download personal content, review that option before access changes, while respecting other people's privacy.
- Identify alternatives. Help your child find appropriate ways to stay in touch with friends, participate in hobbies and access learning resources.
- Keep supporting online safety. Discuss privacy, cyberbullying, scams and how to seek help if something upsetting happens online.
Do not encourage children to use false ages or misleading information to bypass the restrictions. Focus on lawful alternatives and the official guidance available to families.
9. How Can Parents Help Children Adjust?
Children may feel disappointed, isolated or worried about losing access to friends, communities, creative projects or favourite content. These reactions deserve attention even though the rules are intended to improve online safety.
The following practical steps can help families manage the transition.
Have an Open Conversation
Explain what the rules mean and why the change is happening. Listen to your child's concerns rather than treating the discussion as a punishment or a simple device restriction.
Plan Other Ways to Stay Connected
Explore age-appropriate messaging services, phone calls, family-approved group activities and in-person catch-ups. Check the minimum age and safety settings of any alternative service.
Support Hobbies and Interests
Encourage sports, reading, music, art, gaming within appropriate rules, volunteering or other activities that help children maintain friendships and develop confidence.
Teach Digital Safety
Keep discussing privacy settings, location sharing, suspicious links, scams, respectful communication and how to report harmful content.
Watch for Signs of Distress
Check in with your child if they appear unusually withdrawn, anxious or upset about losing access to an online community. Seek appropriate support if their distress continues.
10. What About School, Learning and Educational Apps?
The restrictions are not intended to prevent children from learning online. Many education-focused services, including learning management systems used to share course materials, submit assignments and support classroom communication, are excluded from the minimum-age requirements.
However, a platform that schools use for communication or community updates may still be covered if it meets the legal definition of an age-restricted social media service. Schools may therefore need to review how they communicate with students and families.
Parents should ask their child's school which platforms are used, whether any alternative communication channels are available and how students can access essential learning resources.
For the current scope of the rules and excluded service categories, use the Australian Government's official guidance.
Official source: Social media minimum-age rules and excluded services
11. What If Your Child Needs Help or Support?
If your child is upset about the changes, encourage them to talk openly about their feelings. Losing access to an online community can feel significant, particularly when friendships and interests are closely connected to that service.
Parents can help by acknowledging those feelings, making a plan to stay connected with friends and finding suitable activities or services that remain available.
If a child is experiencing cyberbullying, threats, harassment or harmful online behaviour, the eSafety Commissioner provides information about reporting online harm and seeking assistance. If your child needs emotional support, consider an appropriate professional or youth support service.
12. A Practical Checklist for Parents
Use this checklist to help your family understand and respond to the age restrictions.
- Check the latest eSafety list of age-restricted social media platforms.
- Review which services your child currently uses.
- Explain the law and give your child time to ask questions.
- Check the minimum age and safety rules of any alternative app.
- Review privacy settings and account-management options through official platform channels.
- Agree on safe ways to communicate with friends and family.
- Discuss cyberbullying, scams, privacy and reporting harmful content.
- Ask the school about any changes to learning or communication platforms.
- Check official government guidance when rules or platform lists are updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for social media accounts in Australia?
For services covered by Australia's social media minimum-age rules, platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from holding accounts. The rules took effect on 10 December 2025.
Can parents be fined if their child has an account?
No penalties apply to parents or children simply because an under-16 has an account on an age-restricted service. The legal obligation to take reasonable steps rests on the covered platforms.
Can under-16s still use the internet?
Yes. The law does not prohibit general internet access. Children can continue using services that are not covered by the restrictions and can access some public social media content without logging in where the platform allows it.
Are messaging apps exempt?
Many standalone messaging services are not covered by the minimum-age restrictions. However, the legal status of a service depends on the rules and the service's features. Check the latest official list before relying on an exemption.
Can a child use a parent's social media account?
Do not assume that using another person's account is an approved workaround. Check the platform's terms and the official rules. The purpose of the restrictions is to prevent under-16s from holding accounts on covered services, not simply to change the name attached to an account.
Will children lose access to their existing accounts?
Covered platforms may remove, deactivate or restrict underage accounts as they implement their obligations. The precise process can vary by platform, so check its official account guidance.
Can children watch YouTube without an account?
Under-16s may access publicly available social media content without logging in where the service allows it. YouTube is currently listed among the age-restricted services, while YouTube Kids is identified separately in eSafety guidance. Check current platform rules and account requirements.
Where can parents find the most accurate information?
The eSafety Commissioner is the main source for the current list of covered services and practical family guidance. The Australian Government's communications department and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also publish official information about the law and privacy protections.
Final Thoughts
Australia's social media minimum-age law represents a significant change for families with children under 16. The rules require covered platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent underage accounts, while leaving children able to use many other online services and access some public content without signing in.
For parents, the most useful response is to understand the current rules, check official platform information, explain the changes calmly and help children maintain healthy social connections. Online safety remains important regardless of whether a service is covered by the minimum-age requirements.
Because the list of covered services and government guidance can change, check the official eSafety Commissioner website before making decisions about a particular app or account.
