Why waiting until 16 for social media makes sense: what Australia’s new law means for our kids

Australia is making history. As of 10 December 2025 it has become the first country to ban social media access for children under 16. This means platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube will be off-limits to younger kids. It’s a bold move that’s got everyone talking, and for good reason.

Whilst experts are still debating whether this ban will work, there’s growing evidence that waiting until after 16 to join social media could really benefit our kids. If you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who cares about young people’s wellbeing, here’s what you need to know.

Why this ban exists

Let’s be honest: social media isn’t going anywhere. It offers kids amazing ways to connect with friends, express themselves creatively, and explore their interests. But there’s a darker side too. More and more research is pointing to real risks when kids start using social media too early: cyberbullying, anxiety about their appearance, and mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.

The science isn’t totally clear-cut. Some studies show only weak links between social media and mental health problems, and researchers can’t always tell if social media causes these issues or just makes existing problems worse¹. But many experts believe that holding off on social media gives kids more time to build up resilience and learn how to navigate the digital world safely before diving in.

The real benefits of waiting

1. Less Cyberbullying

This is a big one. Cyberbullying means someone repeatedly hurting another person through digital platforms, and social media’s anonymity and public nature can make it even worse. Studies show cyberbullying can lead to serious problems: depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide².

Kids under 16 are still learning how to handle complex social situations and protect their privacy online. They’re more vulnerable. In Australia, cyberbullying complaints have skyrocketed by over 450% in just five years, with nearly half involving kids 13 or younger³. Raising the age limit could help protect younger kids during these crucial years.

2. Better Mental Health

The teenage years are tough. It’s when kids are figuring out who they are, and their mental health is especially vulnerable. Early social media use has been linked to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and low self-esteem, particularly in younger teens⁴.

Social media can intensify the comparison game. Kids start measuring themselves against carefully curated posts and filtered photos, which can be really damaging when they’re still developing their sense of self⁵. Waiting until 16 gives them more time to build confidence and learn who they are before facing the pressures of the online world.

3. More Time for Real Life

Social media is a massive time drain. Hours that could be spent playing sports, hanging out with friends face-to-face, doing homework, or getting enough sleep can disappear into endless scrolling.

Many parents report struggling to manage their kids’ screen time, with social media taking precedence over schoolwork, physical activity, and family time⁶. By delaying social media, kids have more opportunity to develop hobbies, build real-world skills, and enjoy a more balanced childhood.

4. Learning Digital Skills First

Here’s perhaps the biggest benefit: waiting gives us time to teach kids how to use social media safely and smartly before they actually join.

Think of it like learning to drive. You wouldn’t hand a 12-year-old car keys without teaching them the rules of the road first. The same should apply to social media. Experts recommend using this time to teach kids how to spot fake news, recognise harmful behaviour, protect their privacy, and ask for help when they need it⁷. These skills are essential for becoming responsible digital citizens.

The challenges we need to address

Let’s be realistic: this ban isn’t perfect. Today’s kids are tech-savvy. Some will find workarounds using VPNs or switching to unregulated platforms where content might actually be more dangerous⁸.

There’s also a flip side to social media. It can provide valuable support networks, especially for LGBTQ+ youth or kids who feel isolated⁹. A blanket ban might cut off these positive connections if we’re not careful.

That’s why experts say the ban needs to be part of a bigger plan that includes parent support, digital literacy programmes in schools, and stronger rules for social media companies to make their platforms safer¹⁰.

What parents and schools can do

Parents are on the front lines. Research shows that when parents are involved, set clear guidelines, and talk openly with their kids about social media, children are much better equipped to handle online risks¹¹. Model healthy tech habits yourself: kids notice when you’re glued to your phone at dinner.

Schools play a huge role too. They’re perfect places to teach digital literacy, discuss cyberbullying prevention, and talk about emotional wellbeing¹². And here’s the key: involve the kids themselves in these conversations. When teens help design these programmes, they’re more relevant and effective.

The bottom line

Australia’s under-16 social media ban is groundbreaking. Whilst no law can eliminate all risks, delaying social media until after 16 offers real advantages: less exposure to cyberbullying, better mental health outcomes, more time for offline activities, and space to learn essential digital skills first.

This isn’t about demonising technology or keeping kids in a bubble. It’s about giving them the tools and maturity they need to navigate social media safely when they do join. For parents, teachers, and anyone working to protect kids from bullying, this is a chance to create comprehensive strategies that truly support young people.

Together, we can build a digital world where kids don’t just survive: they thrive.

Read our related blogs:

Insights on cyber safety from Susan McLean

Bullying’s new home? Chats, games & messaging apps

Beyond the social media ban – guide for parents

What Australia’s new social media rules mean for kids under 16

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References

[1, 5, 6, 7, 10  ] Champion, K. E., Birrell, L., Smout, S., Teesson, M., & Slade, T. (2025). Debate: Social media in children and young people – time for a ban? Beyond the ban – empowering parents and schools to keep adolescents safe on social media. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70032

[2] Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the Digital Age: A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Cyberbullying Research Among Youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073–1137. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035618

[3] Australian Government. Final Report from the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review

[4, 12] Christakis, D. A., & Hale, L. (Eds.). (2025). Handbook of Children and Screens: Digital Media, Development, and Well-Being from Birth Through Adolescence. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69362-5

[8] McNamara, P., & Dunn, N. (2025). Netflix’s Adolescence : an unsettling reminder of the toxic effect of social media on children. British Journal of General Practice, 75(756), 320–321. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742821

[9, ,10 ] Fatt, J. S., & Fardouly, J. (2025). Debate: Social media in children and young people – time for a ban? Weighing up the implications and limitations of age‐based social media restrictions. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.70034

[11] Chen, J., Huebner, E. S., & Tian, L. (2025). Relations Between Psychological Maltreatment by Teachers and Cyberbullying Perpetration Among Elementary School Students: The Roles of Self-Esteem and Sex. Child Maltreatment, 30(3), 422–433. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595241304097