Navigating the social media ‘ban’
From 10 December 2025 certain social media platforms must be taking reasonable steps to identify and remove account holders under 16 years of age.
The eSafety Commissioner is in charge of determining which platforms should be deemed ‘age-restricted social media platforms’, and which are exempt. A list of impacted platforms is available here, but is subject to change.
The ‘ban’
Social media platforms affected by the ban have a responsibility to remove account holders under 16 years old, which starts with age verification tools.
No one platform or method has been nominated, so age verification may look different between platforms. Platforms are allowed to ask for government ID, but this cannot be the only option available.
For more information about age assurance methods:
Social Media Minimum Age: Regulatory Guidance – eSafety Commissioner
Privacy Guidance on Part 4A (Social Media Minimum Age) of the Online Safety Act 2021 – Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Age verification
What if under 16s get around age verification?
There are no penalties for individual young people accessing platforms restricted by the ‘ban’, their parents or other responsible adults.
The eSafety Commissioner has the power to penalise age-restricted platforms that aren’t doing enough to keep underage users off their sites.
Under the new legislation platforms have an ongoing responsibility, to identify and remove users who may circumvent their initial age check processes.
Between the digital age they have grown up in and COVID-19 pandemic, social media is a significant source of social connection for young people under 16.
While many messaging platforms will remain accessible, now-restricted platforms leave clear gaps in the social schedules of many South Australian young people.
Check out the free and low-cost activities and programs run by local councils, and community centres, and organisations who support specific demographics (e.g., multicultural young people, young carers).
Connecting offline
How can the youth sector support young people through this transition?
Start conversations with the young people you work with to ensure they are aware of new age restrictions and the impacts it may have on them.
Listen to young people’s concerns, seek out answers to their questions and dispel misinformation and disinformation about the restrictions.
Strengthen communications outside of social media (e.g., website pages, mailing lists, in-person promotions) to connect young people with opportunities and programs.
Facilitate spaces for young people to connect, socialise and foster offline communities.
Resources for supporting young people
Staying safe and connected when social media rules change – headspace
Social media age restrictions: Get-ready guide for under-16s – eSafety Commissioner
Australia’s social media laws for under 16s – Beyond Blue
The social media ban: 7 tips for starting the conversation with a young person – headspace
New social media minimum age and how to support young people – Minus18
eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety news
What can we do?
The ‘ban’ is a world first, so there is a lot unknown about the implementation and its impacts, and the youth sector have a unique vantage point as the new rules come into effect.
If you or the young people you work with identify resulting issues or service needs, we want to hear from you.
'Social media ‘ban’ explained on The Smashed Avocado
