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Families in Southern NSW will be navigating a significant change from this week, with new national rules affecting how young people use social media.
From 10 December 2025, people under 16 will no longer be able to create or keep accounts on some social media platforms.
The change is designed to support young people at a critical stage of their development. Rather than acting as a ban, the new rules delay access to social media accounts, giving young people more time to build digital skills and resilience before entering complex online environments.
There is increasing evidence of a link between social media use and harms to the mental health and wellbeing of young people, particularly when platforms use features that encourage increased screen time or expose users to inappropriate or harmful content.
For many parents and carers, these changes may feel like another layer to manage on top of the everyday pressures of family life. While you don’t need to become an expert overnight, understanding the basics can help you feel more confident in navigating conversations with young people.
The eSafety Commissioner has developed clear, practical information to help families understand the changes, including:
- which platforms are affected
- why the change is happening
- tips to support conversations with young people
Families can access this information through the Social Media Age Restrictions Hub at the eSafety Commissioner’s website: esafety.gov.au