Social media age restrictions hub (eSafety)
Easy‑to‑use resources to help you explain the social media rules in simple ways, set clear and age‑appropriate expectations and talk through worries calmly.
Social media rules: Helping your child stay safe online
Key takeaways
- New social media rules are now in place to help keep children under 16 safe online.
- You can support your child by helping them understand the rules.
- Talking early and often helps your child feel more confident.
New rules for social media are now in place in Australia. These rules help protect children under 16 from harm online and give families more time to prepare for social media use in the future.
Changes like this can raise questions at home. Your child may feel confused, upset or unsure about what the rules mean for them. Your support and everyday conversations can help your child or children understand the changes and feel safer and more confident online.
Changes like this can raise questions at home. Your child may feel confused, upset or unsure about what the rules mean for them. Your support and everyday conversations can help your child or children understand the changes and feel safer and more confident online.
Starting the conversation with your child
Rules on their own do not build understanding or confidence. Talking with your child about the new social media rules will help them understand what has changed and why.
You do not need to be an expert. What matters most is listening, staying calm and letting your child know they can talk to you about how they are feeling.
These conversations can help your child:
- understand what the rules mean for them
- feel heard and supported
- learn how to make safer choices online
eSafety has free conversation starters you can use to help talk with your child about social media and online safety. These tools can support you to explain the rules and answer questions in simple ways.
Supporting your child’s digital wellbeing
The new social media rules can also be a chance to talk with your child about how being online affects them.
This includes how your child feels when they are online and how online time fits into everyday life.
You might talk together about:
- how being online makes them feel, such as calm, stressed or distracted
- how they know when it is time to take a break
- how to balance time online with time offline
These conversations can help your child feel supported and better understand how to look after themselves online.
Kids Helpline has helpful information you can use, including:
- tips for managing screen time
- ideas for taking breaks from screens
- suggestions for apps that support creativity and wellbeing
Staying connected for learning
Even with social media rules in place, your child can still connect with others online in positive and helpful ways.
You might explore:
- online platforms designed for learning
- spaces where teachers guide and support online discussions
- clear rules about being kind and respectful online
These options help children stay connected for learning. They also remind children that being online is not the problem. Learning how to stay safe and respectful online is what matters most.
Supporting your child together
Social media rules can help, but they are not the only way to support your child online.
When families, schools and support services work together, children are more likely to understand the rules and know how to stay safe online.
You do not need to have all the answers. Listening, staying connected and taking small steps together can help your child feel supported and more confident.
When families, schools and support services work together, children are more likely to understand the rules and know how to stay safe online.
You do not need to have all the answers. Listening, staying connected and taking small steps together can help your child feel supported and more confident.
There have also been recent changes aimed at helping keep children safe online, including measures that protect them from adult content. While this article focuses on social media, trusted sources like the eSafety Commissioner can help you stay up to date as more information becomes available.
Want to learn more?
If you would like to learn more, these trusted resources can help you explain the rules, talk with your child and support their wellbeing.
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Support for First Nations families (eSafety)
Resources created for First Nations communities, including a Parent Handbook and a Student Workbook, to support family conversations that respect culture, identity and community. -
Translated resources (eSafety)
Watch videos, explore online safety resources and learn digital skills in your language. -
Your guide to the social media ban (Headspace)
Supportive information to help you and your child make sense of social media changes, with practical tips to start conversations, respond to concerns and support your child’s wellbeing.
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