Don’t ignore children’s distress: easing family conflict over Australia’s upcoming social media curbs
Sydney, November 4: Australia’s new rules restricting social media access for under-16s take effect in less than a month, setting the stage for difficult conversations at home as families prepare for abrupt changes to their children’s online lives. From December 10, children under 16 will be able to view only publicly available content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, and will not be allowed to create their own accounts. Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to enforce the rules could face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
As per agency report, there are no fines for children or parents if an underage account exists, but the eSafety framework has acknowledged parental worries about how teenagers will react once access is cut off. Researchers note that social and digital media use already triggers household tension, often because parents underestimate how central these platforms are to adolescents’ friendships and daily routines, and because teenagers push back against rules they perceive as unfair. Some families may feel relief in pointing to a clear legal line, yet experts caution that the transition could still be emotionally volatile.
Uncertainty remains around implementation. Critics argue that determined teenagers may attempt to bypass restrictions using tools such as VPNs that mask location and identity, while specialists raise questions about the reliability and privacy trade-offs of age-verification systems. There is also concern that some parents might actively help children circumvent the curbs, undermining both compliance and trust.
Guidance for families stresses acknowledging that the change will be hard. Sudden removal of platforms can leave young people upset, anxious or angry, particularly because social media is not only passive scrolling but a primary channel for peer connection. For marginalised youth, online communities can be especially important. Parents are encouraged to help children sustain healthy social links through approved channels and offline activities, and to explain the rationale behind new rules, since teenagers tend to respond better when boundaries come with clear reasons.
Experts warn against assuming the curbs will make children automatically “safe”. Young people may migrate to other apps not covered by the policy, or rely on friends’ devices and accounts. Ongoing dialogue about what children see and do online remains essential, alongside chances to build digital literacy skills such as recognising manipulation, managing privacy and seeking help. While constant surveillance is neither required nor recommended, parents should stay interested, available and prepared to assist if risks or uncomfortable situations arise as the new regime rolls out.
