Helping Your Teen Navigate Australia’s New Social Media Age Restrictions

Australia’s updated under-16 social media regulations have prompted widespread discussion in homes, schools and workplaces. For many young people, losing access to platforms that play a role in connection, identity and daily routines can feel abrupt and unsettling. For parents and carers, the changes may raise questions about what the regulations mean in practice, how the rollout is unfolding, and how best to support their teen through the transition. Feeling uncertain or concerned during this period is understandable.

This article provides general, evidence-informed information drawn from child and adolescent mental health research and clinical practice. It is intended to support families in understanding the changes and responding in ways that promote well-being and connection. The information shared is general in nature and not a substitute for individual assessment or professional advice.

What the new regulations mean for families

Australia’s updated social media regulations require major platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, Twitch and Kick, to verify that users are at least 16 years old. The stated aim is to reduce exposure to potentially harmful content, strengthen privacy protections, and support safer online environments for younger adolescents.

There are no penalties for parents or young people

Families are not fined, and young people are not considered to be “in trouble”. Responsibility for compliance sits with the platforms themselves, which are required to introduce age-verification processes that meet legislative requirements. The changes are designed as a safety measure rather than a punitive one.

Disruption is a common part of the transition

For many teens, social media plays a meaningful role in daily communication and peer connection. Sudden changes to access can feel confusing, frustrating, or socially destabilising. Understanding the purpose and process of the regulations can help reduce uncertainty and support calmer conversations at home.

Why the rollout looks different between families

Many families have noticed that some teens appear to retain access to certain platforms while others do not. This uneven experience is expected during the early stages of a large-scale rollout.

Several factors contribute to these differences:

• Platforms are implementing age-verification systems at different speeds

• Some accounts have not yet been reviewed or flagged

• Past age details entered when accounts were created may affect when verification is triggered

• Age-estimation technologies are still developing and vary in accuracy across platforms

This variation does not indicate that a child or family has done anything wrong, nor does it suggest that others are deliberately ignoring the rules. It reflects the complexity of implementing new systems across multiple global platforms.

Common emotional and social responses in teenagers

Even when teens understand the reasons behind the regulations, losing access to social media can feel like losing an important part of their social world. Reactions vary, and there is a wide range of typical responses.

From a developmental perspective, adolescence is a period where autonomy, belonging and peer connection are particularly important. Emotional reactions often reflect these developmental needs rather than a lack of resilience.

Frustration, anger and “it’s not fair”

Many teens place strong value on independence and choice. When a significant change occurs without their involvement, it can feel unfair or disempowering. Expressions of frustration are often directed toward parents or carers because home is a safe place to express strong emotions.

Acknowledging feelings without immediately trying to fix them can help maintain connection. Statements such as, “I can see how frustrating this feels for you,” often reduce tension and support emotional regulation.

Fear of missing out (FOMO)

Concerns about missing conversations, events or social updates are common. Social belonging is a core developmental need during adolescence, and feeling excluded can be distressing. Supporting teens to find alternative ways to stay connected can help ease this anxiety over time.

Shifting to other online spaces

Some teens move toward group chats, gaming platforms or online communities that still allow communication. In many cases, this reflects a desire to maintain friendships rather than avoidance or defiance. Curiosity-based conversations about these spaces can support trust and understanding.

Additional considerations for anxious or neurodivergent teens

Teens who value predictability or who find face-to-face social situations challenging may experience the transition more intensely. For some young people, online spaces have provided structure, clarity or relief from social pressure. Adjusting may take longer and benefit from additional support.

Helpful approaches may include:

• clear routines

• gradual changes rather than abrupt shifts

• collaborative problem-solving

• reassurance that support is available

How to talk with your teen about the changes

There is no single “right” conversation. What matters most is staying calm, open and willing to listen. The aim is to understand your teen’s experience and maintain connection rather than to persuade or control.

Helpful strategies include:

• beginning with open, curious questions

• validating emotions before explaining rules

• offering brief, factual explanations

• keeping the focus on wellbeing and safety

Short, ongoing conversations are often more effective than one detailed discussion.

Supporting connection without social media

Connection remains essential, even as online habits change. Supporting teens to maintain social contact in age-appropriate ways can help ease the transition.

Options may include:

• group messaging apps or school-based platforms

• low-pressure social activities

• involvement in hobbies, sport, volunteering or part-time work

• structured or moderated online communities where appropriate

Adjustment takes time, and feeling unsettled initially is common.

Building healthy digital habits for the future

The transition can also provide an opportunity to reflect on longer-term digital wellbeing.

Families may find it helpful to:

• agree on shared expectations around device use

• establish device-free times or spaces

• prioritise sleep and downtime

• talk ahead of time about what healthy social media use might look like in the future

When additional support may be helpful

Many teens adjust with reassurance, routine and time. Additional guidance may be helpful if distress persists, intensifies, or begins to interfere with daily functioning.

Parents and carers may consider seeking professional advice if they notice ongoing changes such as low mood, heightened anxiety, sleep disruption, withdrawal from usual activities, or increasing conflict at home.

Sydney Children’s Practice offers evidence-informed psychological support for children and adolescents. Families may choose to seek guidance to better understand their teen’s needs or to support adjustment during periods of change.

Final thoughts

The introduction of new social media age restrictions represents a significant shift for many families. Teens are adapting to changes in how they connect, while parents and carers are navigating unfamiliar territory at the same time.

Staying curious, maintaining open communication, and focusing on wellbeing rather than perfection can support families through this transition. If you are feeling unsure about how your teen is coping, the team at Sydney Children’s Practice can provide evidence-informed psychological support and guidance for families navigating periods of change.