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Overview of the changes
From 10 December 2025, new restrictions will delay access to social media platforms for under-16s throughout Australia, preventing them from creating or maintaining accounts on age-restricted platforms.
The changes aim to support safer online experiences and reduce exposure to harmful content and highly targeted algorithms. They also allow time to help young people build digital literacy skills and strengthen their ability to navigate the online world.
Which platforms are affected?
The e-Safety Commissioner continues to review and update which platforms meet the criteria under the new legislation. These are likely to include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit.
Some platforms and online services are exempt from the delay including education tools, health tools, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger Kids and Google Classroom.
Why the delay matters
These changes give educators an opportunity to help strengthen students' digital literacy and support safe online engagement, now and into the future.
It's important to recognise that young people may find these changes challenging. The delay may impact their opportunities for social connection, self-expression and their sense of belonging. Social media can also be a key space where children and young people share experiences, express identity and seek support.
Supporting students through the changes
Educators play a key role in helping students understand the delay, develop safe online habits, foster resilience, and maintain positive connections as the changes take effect. Educators are also well-placed to notice if students are struggling.
It's not an educator's role to diagnose or make conclusions about mental health; however, you can notice changes, foster wellbeing, and connect students and families with appropriate support when needed.
The following approaches help educators promote students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Recognising signs
Be aware of the early signs that children or young people may need extra support such as:
- changes in mood, behaviour or social withdrawal
- increased anxiety, sadness or frustration
- difficulty concentrating or showing less interest in usual activities.
Supporting resources
Mental Health Continuum – builds understanding of the difference between mental health and mental health conditions.
BETLS Observational Tool – supports gathering and documenting information and observations about a child or young person. It helps you identify and raise concerns for students who may need more support or targeted assistance.
Starting conversations
Have supportive conversations with children and young people – this can normalise feelings and help students feel understood and supported:
- use open, non-judgmental language
- acknowlede the impact and validate feelings
- reassure young people that support is available.
Supporting resources
Communication skills for educators Fact Sheet – provides communication tips.
Building self-regulation skills
Support students to manage emotions and adapt to the changes:
- encourage students to recognise, understand and name their feelings and emotions
- model and practise calming strategies such as breathing or grounding techniques
- reinforce coping and problem-solving skills through classroom activities.
Supporting resources
Self-regulation Fact Sheet – explores self-regulation and discusses tips.
Supporting help-seeking
Guide students towards accurate information and trusted services when extra support is needed:
- encourage help-seeking and use of professional support services
- direct students to accurate, age-appropriate information.
Supporting resources
Mental health services and support helplines – provides an up-to-date list of mental health services and support helplines for learning communities.
Using online tools for mental health promotion Fact Sheet – outlines online mental health support that isn’t social media based.
Wellbeing tools for children and young people – summarises key websites and resources available to support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Collaborating with families
Partner with families to help ensure consistent messaging and coordinated support:
- share clear, evidence-based information
- encourage use of consistent language when explaining the changes
- provide information on professional support services
- discuss concerns and identify ways to foster student wellbeing together.
Supporting resources
Preparing for difficult conversations with families - provides strategies to use when having challenging conversations.
Social media and mental health | Beyond Blue - provides an overview of the social media platforms commonly used by children and young people and the effects social media can have on mental health.
Be You Professional Learning
Be You offers a suite of Professional Learning modules to help build knowledge, skills and confidence in mental health and wellbeing topics relating to children and young people.
Family Partnerships – build relationships with families to support mental health and wellbeing.
Learning Resilience – explore social and emotional learning and how to embed it in your practice.
Early Support – notice early signs of mental health challenges, have sensitive conversations and provide appropriate support.
Mentally Healthy Communities – learn about mental health and creating a thriving community.
Social media delay key resources
We’ve curated a list of trusted resources to help you understand and prepare for the social media delay.
For educators
What do the social media age restrictions mean for educators? | eSafety Commissioner
Explore the social media delay, what it is, why it’s happening, possible impacts and how to engage and support children, young people and their families.
eSafety also provides a framework for online safety education as well as a toolkit for implementation.
For children and young people
How will the social media age restrictions affect me if I'm under 16? | eSafety Commissioner
Explore the social media delay, it’s possible impact, how to prepare and how to get support.
The Social Media Ban: a guide for young people | headspace
Understand the delay, how to prepare for it and where to get help.
For families
Social media age restrictions and your family | eSafety Commissioner
Explore the social media delay, what it is, and how to navigate it with your child or young person.
Information for family about the social media ban | headspace
Understand the ban, how to prepare for it, and where to get support.
Social media ban: FAQS | Raising Children Network
Explore the ban, how to support your child or young person, where to get help.