Tips around the social media ban for under 16s
On 10 December, Australia will introduce a social media ban for under 16s. This is a significant change, and it will affect different young people in different ways. We don’t yet know exactly what the impacts will be.
Here’s what we do know: social media is just one influence in young people’s lives, including on their body image and eating. And while it comes with significant challenges, it also provides benefits – including connection, community, and inspiration for users.
This page is to help you prepare and find your way through what’s coming, whatever that looks like for you and the teens in your life – both through the transition and for their future social media use.
Resources
Helpful resources for parents and other adults
eSafety Commissioner Social Media Minimum Age Stakeholder Pack
Key information, advice about action you can take, and digital shareable content around the Social Media Minimum Age changes.
Navigating the social media ban for parents and carers
Butterfly's Director of Education Initiatives, Danni Rowlands, examines Australia's new social media restrictions for young people and their potential impact, including around body image, eating and exercise.
eSafety Commissioner information hub
The eSafety Commissioner, which partnered with the Australian Government to establish the new age restrictions, has resources to help you understand and prepare for the change.
BodyKind Online Education for safe social media
Butterfly's BodyKind Online Education for secondary schools addresses online safety and body image. The program prepares young people to navigate social media whenever they receive access.
Let’s talk
Find out more about Butterfly’s prevention programs and how we can tailor them to fit the needs of your community.
Concerned about a young person you know?
Butterfly’s National Helpline is open 8am – midnight (AEST/AEDT), seven days a week, excluding national public holidays. We’re here for anyone, anywhere in Australia with information, resources, referrals, and support.
