Expert's tips to parents on how to navigate Australia's social media ban: 'Expect some emotional turbulence'

A?s Australia prepares for our world-first ban on children under-16 accessing social media apps and YouTube, children and their parents are understandably nervous.

The ban was first announced by the federal government in November last year in the form of new legislation known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024.

At the time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it would address the harm social media was doing to Australian children.

Albanese's support of the landmark reform followed a campaign by parents and groups, including 36 months, which was led by radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli and Rob Galluzzo.

At the time, Albanese said the government wanted Australian children "to have a childhood" and for parents to know "the government is in their corner".

The Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025 was tabled earlier this year and includes a new definition of age-restricted social media platforms.

Among those included in the ban are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, Kick and YouTube. Digital platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for failing to stop age-restricted account holders from accessing services.

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So, with the countdown now on until December 10, one of Australia's peak bodies for psychology in Australia is offering advice to help families navigate the transition.

Daniela McCann is a NSW Northern Rivers based child psychologist and is one of the directors of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi).

She told nine.com.au she was very much in favour of lowering the age children can access social media.

"It's not so much a ban as a delay," McCann said.

"It gives young people's brains a bit more time to develop. It gives them a bit more time to develop their critical thinking and other skills so when they do get access to social media they are not as vulnerable."

McCann said she had 'absolutely' seen first hand the harm caused by social media and how detrimental it could be to a child's mental health and well-being.

She said many parents who opposed the ban were unaware what their children were doing online, and urged them not to help children get around the new age restriction.

"This is a blanket ban," she said.

"It's been brought in place by the government, so there should not be any FOMO (fear of missing out) because everyone else who is under 16 is going to be in the same boat."

McCann said young people, especially those who had access to social media but would now lose it, would likely experience a range of emotions.

"Parents should expect some emotional turbulence as habits shift and routines change," McCann said.

"Parents don't need to have all the answers. What matters most is staying calm, staying connected and helping your teen build confidence in other parts of their lives."

But while she expected parents to be in for a bumpy ride, she said it was important to remember most children adapt well, with support.

Before the ban

McCann said parents could expect their children to appear anxious and worried about what they will do without social media and how they will talk to their friends.

She said they might ask their parents to help create fake accounts or profiles for them or help them access a virtual private network (VPN).

Parents who refuse may be met with arguments.

She suggested parents talk honestly about the upcoming changes, and validate their feelings by using phrases such as "I know this is hard and feels unfair".

She said parents could help children save content such as photos and messages, and helping them come up with other ways to keep in touch with their friends, such as phone calls, group chats and in-person meet-ups.?

"Set clear expectations," she said. "Remind them of the legal and safety reasons behind the ban, and that social media providers will enforce the ban."

She also urged parents to plan ahead and make any changes before December 10.

First week

Once the ban begins, parents could expect 'withdrawal symptoms' including irritability, mood swings, restlessness, boredom and sadness as well as 'grief reactions' such as denial, anger or emotional outbursts.

Children may try to access social media through loopholes or alternate devices but she urged parents to stay calm and be supportive while encouraging distractions such as new hobbies, physical activities, creative outlets, family outings or projects.

Some children will be more susceptible to withdrawal symptoms than others, including those who live in regional and remote areas, or neurodivergent children who rely on social media for social connections.?

She suggested allowing children access to safer alternative channels such as group texts, Kids Messenger, WhatsApp, phone and video calls, or in-person meetings.

M?cCann said children would still be able to access YouTube and watch their favourite shows.

"Parents can still subscribe and allow them to watch something," she said. ?

She said children will be looking for the dopamine hit they usually get from screens.

"What we need to do is provide opportunities for kids to get their dopamine in ways that don't involve screens," she said.

"Encourage trying a new sport or just going and hanging out at the beach or the park. It may be a good time to get the old Monopoly board out."

She said while some online platforms such as Roblox sensationally escaped the ban, there were some safe online games such as online chess.

Week two

By the second week, children might still be angry or sad, but the duration and intensity of high emotions should lessen. They may say "everyone else" still has access and urge parents to help them skirt the rules.

She urged parents to maintain ?routine and structure, including regular meal and sleep times, and validate their emotions with phrases such as "It's normal to feel left out".

Weeks three and four

This coincides with Christmas and New Year but the good news is it takes about three weeks to change a habit so you are almost there.

Moods should begin to stabilise as children gradually accept their new normal.

Children may learn a new activity, reconnect with old hobbies, or deepen family relationships. She said that if they do, offer praise.

"It is going to be really important to let your young person know, 'I noticed you playing Monopoly with your sister ¨C that's really great'."

Parents should at this point also see their children become more engaged and begin sleeping better, which should in turn see their mental health improve.?

Weeks five and six

By January, teens should be settling into alternative ways of connecting with others and entertaining themselves.

Use positive reinforcement and check in regularly about emotions, friendships and any challenges.

One exp?ected challenge will be around children in friend groups where there are a mix of 15 and 16-year-olds.

She suggested speaking to your child's friends and even their parents about ways for them to stay connected but warned against getting friends to set up multiple accounts for them to use, as they will then have control of their digital footprint.??

She urged parents to monitor the well-being of their children and watch for signs of severe distress or withdrawal at all times during the transition.

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If you are worried, contact Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800 or speak to your GP who can refer your child to a psychologist, if necessary.

McCann also had this one last piece of advice to parents and children.

"Your child is not going to lose their social connections, even if they live in rural or remote areas," she said.

"You will still find places to connect with friends that are safe, both online and in person, for your developing minds and bodies."

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