30/11/2025
Australia's social media ban: What it means for young people's mental health
From December 10, 2025, children under 16 will be banned from social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
The intention is to protect young people from cyberbullying, comparison culture, and the mental health toll that constant online presence can bring. But with change comes complexity.
For parents:
Talk openly with your teen about what they might be losing, not just what's being protected.
Help them find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and communities that matter.
Notice if withdrawal from online spaces leads to isolation, and create opportunities for connection.
For young people:
It's okay to feel frustrated, sad, or disconnected by this change.
Your feelings about losing access to communities that felt safe or affirming are valid.
Connection matters, online and offline. When one form shifts, it takes time to adjust
If this change is bringing up feelings of loss, isolation, or confusion, those feelings deserve space