We break down everything you need to know about Australia's under-16 social media ban.

Thanks to our brand partner, Optus

Australia is rolling out a world-first social media minimum age (SMMA) obligation, often referred to as the "social media ban", starting 10 December 2025.

At a glance, the new legislation will make it so big-name social and technology platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to stop Australians under the age of 16 from having accounts.

For parents and families, the whole thing is a bit confusing and has raised more questions than answers.

Listen: The Quicky interviews the architect of the under 16 social media ban. Post continues below.

Are kids being outright "banned"? Are parents supposed to police logins? Will this be like trying to keep a toddler away from the biscuit tin (i.e. impossible)? No one seems totally sure.

This is a world-first, after all, so Australia is paving the way for many. There's bound to be confusion.

To help cut through the noise, we've done some digging. From which platforms are affected, to the question of what actually happens to existing accounts, this is what we know so far.

What are the laws?

From 10 December 2025, many social media platforms in Australia must try to stop under-16s from having accounts.

It's not a total prohibition, so the term ban doesn't exactly fit here; instead, think of it like putting social media on "pause" until someone turns 16.

Why have they been introduced?

In short, because social media can be detrimental to a child's health, and can impact sleep cycles, anxiety, attention spans and more.

"Accounts expose you to features like constant notifications, stories that disappear and recommended 'For You' content, to grab your attention and keep you on your screen longer," eSafety explained.

"The idea is to give you and other young people more time to build emotional, social and digital skills — so by 16 you'll be better at noticing if things are becoming harmful and knowing what to do about it."

Experts are divided on the proposed measures.

John Livingstone, Head of Digital Policy at UNICEF Australia, said the organisation supports the intention behind the "ban," but believes other solutions would work.

"When young people turn 16, they will still face issues like the promotion of harmful content, addictive design features, and inadequate privacy protections, unless we take action to address them," he said.

"This is before we even consider the positive sides of social media — young people tell us that on social media they find connection, creativity, and community.

"UNICEF Australia supports a broader approach beyond bans, which includes stronger safety-by-design expectations, accountability for tech companies, and greater education to help parents and young people safely navigate the online world."

Watch: How to create a 'dumb' mode on your phone to help break social media addiction. Post continues below.

Which platforms are affected?

The list of affected platforms includes:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Kick

• Reddit

• Snapchat

• Threads

• TikTok

• Twitch

• X (formerly Twitter)

• YouTube

The list of unaffected platforms includes:

• Discord

• GitHub

• Google Classroom

• LEGO Play

• Messenger

• Pinterest

• Roblox

• Steam and Steam Chat

• WhatsApp

• YouTube Kids

This list is not likely to change too much in the coming weeks, as eSafety notes, "there are no further assessments planned in the lead up to the SMMA obligation coming into effect on 10 December 2025."

However, digital wellbeing researcher and author of Generation Connected, Dr Joanne Orlando, said it's likely the list will change over the coming months.

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"The idea is 'let's see how it goes,' and then other kinds of platforms might be included."

Listen to The Quicky discuss the platforms that won't be blocked. Post continues below.

What will happen to impacted social media accounts?

Some platforms might deactivate under-16 accounts (instead of deleting them), so when the person turns 16 they can (theoretically) reactivate with all their data intact.

However, eSafety urges account holders to download their data, should this not be enforced by a platform.

"You shouldn't rely on platforms to provide this option," it said. "It's best to download any data you want to save, including connections, posts, chats, photos and videos — before 10 December."

Whose responsibility is it to monitor age-restricted accounts?

Under the new law, it's the social media platforms that carry the burden of enforcement, not parents or kids. Platforms could face fines of up to AU$49.5 million if they fail to comply.

According to eSafety's regulatory guidance, platforms must proactively identify and deal with accounts held by under-16s — that may involve deactivating or removing them, preventing new sign-ups by underage users, and stopping possible "workarounds" (for example, users lying about their age or creating secondary accounts).

They also have to build age-assurance systems. Platforms are expected to use "reasonable" methods — such as inferred age, document-based checks, or other technologies — and to transparently explain how their age-verification system works.

From December 10, many social media platforms in Australia must try to stop under-16s from having accounts. Image: Canva.

On the matter of age-verification, the eSafety commission explained it shouldn't have to come down to providing official forms of identification.

"Age-restricted platforms may give you the option to use a government-issued ID or an Australian Government accredited digital ID service to prove your age, but they must always offer a reasonable alternative," it said.

"No one who is 16 or older should be prevented from having a social media account because they choose not to provide government-issued ID."

If a company fails to meet these obligations, eSafety has real teeth. The regulator can issue infringement notices, seek enforceable undertakings, go to court, and impose civil penalties on non-compliant platforms.

How do I have this conversation with my children?

For many kids and teens, the looming changes feel a lot bigger than just "losing an app."

Social media is where they talk to friends, share jokes, follow interests, and feel connected. So it's completely understandable that some young people are anxious about being cut off on December 10.

Parents can help by tackling the conversation head on now, with empathy.

"There's gonna be a lot of kind of uncertainty, a lot of scrambling on D-Day, around what are we gonna do?," Dr Joanne Orlando said.

"Whether you agree with this ban or not as a parent, you really have to kind of consider that your child is gonna feel a sense of loss. Especially, if you've got a 14 or 15-year old who's been using social media for a couple of years or even longer.

"There's a sense of loss that their children are going to feel, and you really need to acknowledge that as a parent."

Livingstone agrees.

"Start early and keep the conversation open," he said.

"Explain why the ban is happening: its goal is to protect mental health and reduce risks like bullying and exposure to harmful content. Acknowledge that social media has benefits, and that this change may feel frustrating or isolating."

From there it's about brainstorming alternative options for connectivity.

"Reassure teens that connection is still possible through alternatives like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or in-person meetups," Livingstone said.

Dr Orlando emphasised that your positivity is key here.

"Just help them work out alternatives, and then they can talk to their friends about it," she said.

The bottom line, (yes there is one).

As the deadline approaches, families, teens and even the platforms themselves are still feeling their way through what this new landscape will look like.

What's clear is that the next few months will be an adjustment period — one where communication, patience and a bit of flexibility will matter just as much as the rules themselves.

"Encourage them to download their content before the ban takes effect and frame the ban as a pause, not a punishment — they'll still get social media someday, this is just a chance to get better prepared. Most importantly, let them know that whether they are meant to be on social media or not, if things get tough, they can always reach out for help," Livingstone said.

For more information on the laws, please refer to eSafety's "frequently asked questions."

Feature image: Canva.

Optus is helping families navigate a changing online world with the Optus Digital Thumbprint program supporting young people and families to achieve, thrive and belong in today's digital world. The program supports digital safety and wellbeing through free, curriculum-aligned in-school workshops and a range of resources for use at home.