Starting 10 December 2025, new legislation will come into effect across Australia that restricts access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16. This initiative, led by the federal government and supported by the eSafety Commissioner, aims to protect young Australians during a critical stage of development by reducing exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying, and addictive platform design.

Under the new rules, social media companies will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts on age-restricted platforms. This includes deactivating existing accounts and implementing age-verification systems that do not rely solely on government ID. Importantly, these changes place responsibility on the platforms to uphold the minimum age requirement.

At school we sometimes witness the emotional and social fallout from online engagement. From friendship breakdowns to anxiety triggered by unrealistic comparisons and online pressure, social media can amplify challenges that many students already face. These new restrictions are a proactive step toward reducing those risks and supporting the wellbeing of our girls.

We encourage all parents and carers to learn more about these upcoming changes and how they may affect your child. The eSafety Commissioner’s website offers clear, up-to-date information, FAQs, and resources to help families prepare. You can explore the details on the Social Media Age Restrictions Hub.

Together, we can help our students navigate the digital world with greater safety, confidence, and care.

Tanya O’Toole
Child Safeguarding Leader