Social Media Minimum Age
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About this resource
This resource has been developed to support children and young people with disability, and their families, to understand the new Social Media Minimum Age laws.
It provides a clear and accessible overview of what has changed, how the laws are being implemented, and why these changes are being introduced.
Importantly, this resource centres the experiences of children and young people with disability. It recognises the potential impacts of these laws and offers practical guidance to help navigate these changes.
We also highlight a range of ways for young people to stay connected, build relationships, and participate in community, including options designed with accessibility in mind.
Social media minimum age
The facts
From 10 December 2025, social media platforms are required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts.
This includes the following platforms:
- Kick
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- Twitch
- X
- YouTube
- Bigo Live
- Bluesky
- Lemon8
- Wizz
- Yubo
- See the latest full list
Children and young people under 16 can still view publicly available content on these platforms if it does not require an account.
If you are under 16, or have friends who are, there are still ways to stay connected. Many messaging apps and platforms are not age-restricted and can be used to keep in touch with friends, family and community.
We know this change may be challenging. For many young people, social media plays an important role in connection, identity and belonging. Transitioning away from these platforms may take time and support.
Importantly:
- Children and young people under 16 will not get in trouble for having an account
- Responsibility sits with platforms, which can face penalties of up to $49.5 million if they do not take steps to prevent underage accounts
If you currently have an account, it may be removed or deactivated at any time before you turn 16, even if you have already completed an age check.
No matter your age, if something goes wrong online, support is available. You do not have to manage it on your own.
How platforms may check your age
Platforms may use different types of technology to work out whether someone is under 16:
- Age inference: uses existing information like how long an account has been active, interests or connections to estimate age.
- Age estimation: analyses a person’s characteristics, such as facial features, voice or language, to estimate age.
- Age verification: uses a person’s year or date of birth, typically from official documents – for example, a passport.
Why?
Many social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged for long periods of time. Features like constant notifications, disappearing stories, and personalised “For You” content can make it harder to step away.
For some young people, these features can impact health and wellbeing. This might look like:
- Feeling pressure to keep up with posts, messages or trends
- Changes to sleep, especially if you’re online late at night
- Finding it harder to switch off or focus on other things
- Comparing yourself to others in ways that affect how you feel
- Being exposed to content that is upsetting, overwhelming or misleading
At the same time, we know that social media can play an important role in connection, identity and community, especially for children and young people with disability, who may face barriers to connection in other spaces.
The aim of these laws is to reduce some of the risks linked to social media use for younger people. They are also intended to give young people more time to build skills around navigating online spaces, including recognising when something doesn’t feel right and knowing what to do.
It’s completely understandable if this change feels difficult. You might be worried about losing connection with friends, community, or spaces where you feel understood. Those feelings are valid, and you are not alone in them.
In-person youth social groups
Enabled Youth Disability Network
The Enabled Youth Disability Network runs a range of programs designed to connect and build the skills of young people with disability, and are all developed and run by young leaders with lived experience. These programs are designed to give young people with disability a voice on issues that are important to them.
Minus18
Minus18 provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ youth aged 12 to 19 to connect, find community, and celebrate their identities. They offer a range of free social resources, including in-person events like Queer Formals and dance parties, as well as digital platforms like their moderated Discord server. Their programs are specifically designed to be accessible and supportive, featuring on-site youth workers and gender-neutral
facilities to ensure every young person feels welcome and secure.
Online youth groups
LiveWire
Livewire is a free, private online community for young people aged 12–20 in Australia with disability, chronic illness, or serious health conditions.
It’s run by the Starlight Children’s Foundation and is designed to help you make connections with people who actually get what you’re going through.
You can join Livewire online if you’re 12 or older and living with illness or disability. Live chat sessions are active 7 days a week, from 12pm-12am on weekdays and 9am-12am on weekends. This is your space to chat with friends, play games, get creative and participate in livestreams and workshops
WWDA Youth Network
The WWDA Youth Network is a vibrant community led by and for young women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities across Australia.
They are a safe space to connect, learn, and advocate for a more inclusive future.
- Connect: Build friendships and find solidarity with people who understand your experiences.
- Learn: Access resources and information tailored to your needs.
- Advocate: Have your voice heard on issues that matter to you and your community.
- Lead: Develop your skills and make a difference.
Young People Forum – Beyond Blue
A space for people aged 12-25 read from people like you, or share your own experience with our supportive online community.
Advocacy groups
Youth Disability Advocacy Service
The Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) is a Victorian-based organisation dedicated to supporting disabled young people aged 12 to 25 in achieving their human rights. It provides individual advocacy to help young people speak up for themselves and navigate complex systems, while also running leadership programs and providing resources to ensure their voices are heard by the government.
Youth Disability Advocacy Network
The Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN) is a not-for-profit organization based in Western Australia that is run by and for young people with disability. It acts as a peak representative body, providing a platform for young people to influence policy, access peer-led workshops, and participate in advocacy projects designed to celebrate disability culture.
Cyber bullying
Many people with disability have a good and safe online experience, but some can be at risk of online abuse. Despite the new social media minimum age laws, abuse encountered online by those under 16 can still be reported safely, and help is always available.
There are different types of online abuse. Help is available by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner if you experience serious online abuse. Cyberbullying (if you are under 18 years old), is very harmful content like when someone:
- posts comments to hurt your feelings
- shares photos or videos of you to make fun of you
- uses fake accounts to trick you and other people
Learn more about cyberbullying and how to protect yourself:
- Being Safe Online – Easy Read Booklet
- Cyberbullying (under 18’s) – Easy Read Booklet
- Research about Young People with Disability Using the Internet – Easy Read Booklet
eSafety is the primary national hub for online safety issues. You can report cyberbullying, image based abuse or illegal and restricted content. In cases of immediate harm, call Triple Zero (000).
Accessing mental health support
It is normal to feel uneasy about the recent changes in social media access. If you are having trouble navigating these changes, there are a number of free resources designed to provide you with support and someone to talk to.