What Is Changing - And Why?

Under the Online Safety Act, amended in 2024, social media companies (such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, Reddit, YouTube and others) will be legally obliged to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping accounts. Non-compliance could carry very large fines - up to A$49.5 million for companies that fail to enforce the restriction. 

Importantly, the law places the responsibility on the platforms, not parents or young people: there are no legal penalties for under 16’s who try to access age-restricted platforms, nor for their parents. 

The government’s aim is to reduce the risks young people experience on social media - such as addictive design features, content pressure and mental health burden - by giving them ‘breathing space’ to build emotional, social and digital resilience. (eSafety Commissioner)

Implications for Parents

1. Relief from some burden, but not always ease 

• Since the law shifts the onus to the companies, parents may feel relieved that they are not solely responsible for policing social media use.
• However, this does not mean social media concerns disappear. Age verification techniques are still being trialled and eSafety has said platforms must make ‘reasonable efforts,’ not guaranteed perfection. 
• There is also no penalty if a child under 16 retains or opens an account - so families will want to talk openly and honestly about what this change practically means at home. 

2. Privacy considerations 

• As part of age assurance, platforms may use different methods to verify age, but they can't force users to hand over government ID. 
• The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is co-regulating this scheme and has issued guidance about how personal information is handled in age‐verification processes. (OAIC) 
• It’s a good opportunity for parents to have open conversations with children about digital responsibility, privacy and online safety - including what data is collected and how. 

3. Communication with your child 

• Prepare to talk through the change. Younger children may be confused, upset or anxious about losing access to their accounts. 
• Use this as a teaching moment: what are healthy ways to maintain friendships, share ideas or express themselves without always relying on social media?

Implications for Students Under 16

1. Loss of account access 

• Many children in this age group will have their existing accounts deactivated (or at least risk deactivation) if they are on platforms deemed ‘age-restricted.’ 
• While they will lose the full social-media experience, they can still view publicly available content (where no login is required). 
• Some platforms, such as messaging apps, games or education services, are excluded from these restrictions.  

2. Opportunity to build digital resilience 

• Being off social media for a while can help young people develop important social, emotional and relational skills in other contexts (in real life, in school, with friends face to face). This is a very good thing! 
• eSafety provides tools, resources, and support for young people who might feel lost or anxious: there are well-being guides, education materials, and links to help if things feel overwhelming. 

The school is preparing to deliver information sessions for parents in 2026, aimed at helping families promote safe and responsible digital use. More information about these information sessions will be provided in the new year. 

Peace 

Andrew Kelly 

Principal