Under 16s face new social media age rules: how families can prepare

THERE is less than a month until until Australia’s social media minimum age restrictions take effect, and experts at the Triple P Positive Parenting Program are urging families to start the conversation today for a smoother, stress-free transition for the entire family.

According to Triple P’s National Parenting Pulse Survey findings, social media use was identified as a common source of conflict within most families (85 per cent).

Almost four in five parents (78 per cent) are concerned about their children becoming addicted to using social media, and more than four in five (82 per cent) worry about the mental health impacts of social media on their children.

From December 10, age-restricted social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

Triple P has suggested three things families can do to prepare before then:

• Have regular check-ins – having open conversations about what the changes mean and how your family will navigate them together can make a real difference. Children and young people are more likely to co-operate when they have been part of the process, understand the reasons behind the changes, and feel heard
• Acknowledge this is a challenge – validate your child’s feelings about reduced access to their online communities and friends from their existing accounts. You might explain how these changes aim to protect them from harmful content and interactions. Creating a safe, judgement-free space where children can share worries and frustrations − without fear of lectures or losing devices – will help families positively navigate the social media shift, while strengthening their connection, and
• Brainstorm options together – try involving tweens and teens in problem-solving their concerns around: How will they stay connected to friends? What could replace social media time? Ideas may include face-to-face hangouts, group chats on allowed platforms, sports, creative projects, or family activities. Praise young people when they show they are willing to adjust and observing the new guidelines.

“Families who are able to have calm conversations about the new social media guidelines will experience a less stressful family environment – especially during the upcoming school holidays − than those caught off guard,” Triple P international country director Carol Markie-Dadds said.

“For many young people, social media is where their friendships live and where they find their people. To avoid family conflict, try to approach the social media changes with empathy and plan to positively transition in a way that works for the whole family.”

“Parents know their children best, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. By exploring what the social media changes mean, it may give families a unique opportunity to reset their relationship with technology while strengthening their family bond.”

For more information, head to esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub or triplep-parenting.net.au/au/articles-and-news/post/how-to-set-social-media-rules-boundaries