Swimming between the digital flags 

The relationship between social media and children’s mental health is one of the most important conversations of our time. That's why, from mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.  

This week, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined how Australia plans to take this bold action forward, in a speech delivered at the National Press Club.  

Here's what parents need to know right now:  

• It’s not a ban, it’s a delay. We’re giving kids more time to build digital skills and resilience before facing the pressures of social media.   
• The responsibility lies with the platform. There are no penalties for children or parents— only for platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.   
• You’re not alone. eSafety offers trusted resources for parents and carers, educators, young people and kids. We’ve got the flags, the swimming lessons, and the safety tips to help you support your kids. And our protective powers in areas such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse will still be there to help if things go wrong.   

Australia is building a culture of online safety – just like we’ve done on our beaches. Because the internet, like the ocean, is not going away – and our kids are already dipping their toes in. To stay up to date on social media age restrictions, visit eSafety.gov.au. 

YouTube and the Social Media Minimum Age legislation 

Earlier this week, Minister for Communications Anika Wells, published eSafety’s independent advice recommending that YouTube not be excluded from new legislation. If the Minister chooses to accept eSafety’s advice, YouTube would be subject to the same rules as other platforms, aimed at preventing children under 16 from creating accounts.  

Importantly, this would not restrict access to educational content, which remains available via school links or in a logged-out state.