PROJECT: AUSTRALIA'S LANDMARK SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTION LAW FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
- Isabel Spies
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
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In an era of increasing online harm, governments are taking decisive action to protect their most vulnerable citizens.
Australia's groundbreaking new legislation is aimed at protecting children from the dangers of social media.
Public awareness is key to understanding these
changes and ensuring a safer digital environment for the next generation.
THE PROBLEM: WHY THE NEW LAW IS NECESSARY:
Children under 16 are increasingly exposed to significant risks on social media platforms, including:
Cyberbullying and harassment.
Exposure to harmful and inappropriate content.
Social media addiction and negative impacts on mental health.
Predatory behaviour and scams (such as those detailed in our "Facebook Investment Scams" project).
Compromised privacy and data security.
Driven by public campaigns like "Let Them Be Kids" and concerning research, the Australian government has moved to place the responsibility for protecting children squarely on the social media companies.
KEY DETAILS OF THE NEW SOCIAL MEDIA LAW (EFFECTIVE 10 DECEMBER 2025):
THE CORE RULE:
It is now illegal for an "age-restricted social media platform" to allow a person under the age of 16 to hold an account.
TARGETED PLATFORMS:
Major social media platforms used by children are confirmed to be covered, including:
Facebook & Instagram.
TikTok.
Snapchat.
X (formerly Twitter).
Reddit.
YouTube (While viewing content without an account remains possible, logged-in features like commenting and uploading will be restricted for underage users).
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
The law places the burden of enforcement on the social media companies, not on parents or children.
Platforms must take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage users from creating accounts and to identify and remove existing underage accounts.
HEAVY PENALTIES:
Platforms that fail to comply face severe fines of up to $50 million.
WHAT IS EXEMPT?
The law targets social media, not essential services.
Exemptions include:
Messaging Apps (e.g., WhatsApp).
Online Games.
Educational and Health Services.
HOW AGE VERIFICATION WILL WORK AND THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
The specific age-verification methods are being finalised under the guidance of Australia's eSafety Commissioner.
Platforms will be required to use a range of tools, which may include:
Government ID checks (e.g., Driver's Licence, Passport).
Facial age estimation technology (analysing a user's face to estimate age).
Credit card verification.
Third-party age verification services.
Parental consent mechanisms.
IMPORTANT CHALLENGES AND CRITISMS:
PRIVACY PROTECTIONS:
The law includes strong privacy measures.
Platforms are prohibited from using age-verification data for any other purpose and must destroy the data after verification.
ACCURACY CONCERNS:
Government trials found that some facial age-estimation technology can be inaccurate, potentially locking out legitimate users or incorrectly allowing underage users.
CIRCUMVENTION RISKS:
Tech-savvy teenagers may use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or other methods to bypass these geographic and age-based restrictions.
HOW TO PREPARE AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY:
HAVE OPEN CONVERSATIONS:
Discuss the new law and the reasons behind it with your children.
Explain the online risks and the importance of age-appropriate platforms.
VERIFY, THEN TRUST:
Be aware that no system is perfect.
Please continue to monitor your child's online activity and maintain an open dialogue about their digital lives.
REPORT UNDERAGE ACCOUNTS:
From December 2025, you can report suspected underage accounts directly to the social media platforms.
USE PARENTAL CONTROLS:
Familiarise yourself with built-in parental control and supervision tools offered by devices, operating systems (like iOS and Android), and internet providers.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICIAL SOURCE:
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Australian eSafety Commissioner website (www.esafety.gov.au).
STAY INFORMED:
Follow reputable news sources for updates on the implementation of the law as the December 2025 effective date approaches.
By understanding this new legislation, parents and guardians will be better equipped to navigate the changing digital landscape and work with platforms and regulators to create a safer online world for children.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and ensure your children's online experiences are positive and protected.
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