From 10 December 2025, Australia will introduce a major change to the way young people access social media. The new Social Media Minimum Age legislation will require age-restricted platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.

If you’re a parent, you might be wondering what exactly is changing and how this will affect your child. You’re not alone. This is a major national shift, and families across the country are working through the same questions.

At Toorak College, we want to help you navigate this transition. In this blog we’ll recap the key details from the government’s rollout, the science behind the decision, why this change matters for young people’s development and tips on how to support your child through this change at home.

What is the Under 16 Social Media Delay?

The changes to social media legislation means that young people under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on age-restricted social media platforms. This includes apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook — platforms designed primarily for content sharing, public posting and social networking. Services where social interaction isn’t the main purpose, such as messaging apps, school platforms, email or video-calling tools, are not the focus of the new rules.

To make this work, platforms will be required to introduce stronger age-verification tools. This may include facial-analysis technology, behavioural checks or ID verification before allowing someone to sign up. Each company will choose the method that suits their platform best.

Platforms must also take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate existing accounts held by users under 16. If a young person is incorrectly flagged, there will be a review process so families can request that an account be reinstated.

Why This Law Exists, and Why it Matters

Although social media plays a big role in many young people’s lives, the new law exists because some environments require a level of maturity and judgement that younger people are still developing. We already apply age restrictions to driving, drinking and even certain types of work. Social media is now being treated in a similar way, recognising that it exposes young people to situations their brains may not yet be equipped to navigate.

During adolescence the brain is still under construction. The back of the brain develops first, while the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for decision making, interpreting information, empathy and managing emotions – matures last. Girls typically reach this stage earlier than boys, but all young people need time and experience in the real world to build these skills.

Social media asks young people to process complex emotional information before their brains are fully equipped to handle it. Constant comparison, addictive reward loops, targeted content and algorithm-driven echo chambers can shape how a person sees themselves and the world long before their own perspectives have had time to form.

The legislation aims to create breathing room during these crucial years. By delaying access, it seeks to protect mental health, reduce exposure to harmful or adult content, and prevent cyberbullying and online predation, all issues adolescents are particularly vulnerable to. Most importantly, it gives young people the space to grow resilience and independent thinking without overwhelming outside influence or pressure, before stepping into digital environments that demand more mature judgement.

The Role Algorithms Play in Student Development and Wellbeing

What we know about social media is that it changes the brain. Frequent use can rewire reward pathways, making likes and notifications feel essential. Algorithms also narrow a young person’s worldview by feeding more of what they already agree with, rather than broadening their thinking.

There are wellbeing risks too. High social media use is linked to increased anxiety, low self-esteem and exposure to cyberbullying or harmful content.

At school, we work to build critical thinking, empathy and resilience. Real-life experiences help young brains grow in ways personalised feeds can’t. The delay gives students space to develop these skills before algorithms begin shaping how they see themselves and the world.

Tips for Supporting Your Child Through the Transition

As with all change, the transition period can take a while and bring with it a mix of emotions. Here’s how you can support your child through it.

  • Acknowledge the loss. For many young people, social media is more than entertainment: it’s how they connect, belong, and express themselves. It’s natural if they feel upset about temporarily losing it.

  • Plan for the difficult moments. There will be times when the change feels unfair, like when friends are talking about something they saw online. Remind them that this change is temporary and support other ways to connect.

  • Develop digital resilience with your young people. This is not just about restriction, it is a chance to help kids develop digital wellbeing, spot unhealthy patterns, think critically about content, and see balanced tech use modelled at home.

  • Help set up alternatives for connection. Instead of focusing only on what’s being taken away, create a plan for what can replace it. Group chats on non-social media platforms, after-school catch-ups with friends and regular phone calls can help bridge the gap of social connection.

Why This Can Be a Change for the Better

As expected with a topic that affects everyone differently, opinions about the social media delay are mixed. In our own survey of 110 students, an overwhelming 95% told us they’re happy about the change. Across conversations in classrooms and wellbeing check-ins, we’re hearing some clear themes emerge.

At school, young people spend their days learning to think critically, broaden their worldview and develop empathy through real interactions: skills that can’t be replicated by personalised feeds and algorithm-driven content. Many students see the delay as a chance to reset their relationship with social media and give themselves more space to grow these abilities without constant online noise.

They’ve shared that they feel relief from the pressure to look a certain way, keep up with trends or compare themselves to others. Others are looking forward to a break from FOMO and the constant pull to stay “in the loop”. Many simply expect to reclaim more time for friends, hobbies and genuine connection.

If your young person is finding this transition tricky, help is available. The eSafety Commissioner offers clear guidance on the new laws and online safety strategies, and Kids Helpline provides free, confidential support for both young people and parents. We’re also here to support your family as we navigate this change together.

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