From 10 December Australian young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold
accounts on certain social media platforms. This is not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts.
Being logged into an account increases the exposure under-16s have to design features that
encourage them to spend more time on screens, while serving up content that can harm their health
and wellbeing. The delay is an opportunity for them to build their digital literacy skills and resilience.
The restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads,
TikTok, X, YouTube among other platforms. See the latest list.
Information and resources to support parents and carers, and young people to prepare for the
change are available at eSafety's Social media age restrictions hub.
Visit eSafety.gov.au.
The Social Media Minimum Age legislation will take effect on 10 December, preventing young
people under-16 from having accounts on certain social media platforms.
The restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads,
TikTok, X, YouTube among other platforms. See the latest list.
There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or
for their parents or carers. Penalties will be apply to age-restricted platforms that fail to take
reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts on their platforms.
If you or your family is impacted by this change, information and support is available at the
eSafety Commissioner website, which includes frequently asked questions, tips and resources
for dealing with the change.
Visit eSafety.gov.au.
