Social Media Age Restrictions – What Providers Need to Know

What’s Happened? 

The Australian Government has introduced world-first social media age restrictions through the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. This legislation mandates that users must be at least 16 years old to create or maintain an account on certain social media platforms. 

Social media service providers are now legally required to implement systems that prevent underage users from accessing restricted platforms. These requirements will be enforced from December 2025, following a year-long process of consultation and rule-setting led by the eSafety Commissioner. 

The law shifts the responsibility of compliance onto social media platforms rather than young users, parents, or carers. Non-compliant service providers will face civil penalties, and stricter industry codes are being developed to enhance online protections. 

Why is this Important? 

This reform is aimed at safeguarding young Australians from online harm, including exposure to harmful content and digital addiction risks. The legislation follows growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly regarding stress, sleep disturbances, and attention-related challenges. 

For service providers in various sectors—including disability, child safety, and community services—understanding these changes is crucial. Providers working with young people may need to adjust their digital engagement strategies and ensure compliance with evolving online safety regulations. 

Ongoing consultations throughout 2025 will clarify the specifics of enforcement and age verification mechanisms. Providers are encouraged to stay informed through updates from the eSafety Commissioner to ensure compliance and best practices in digital engagement. 

For further details, visit eSafety Commissioner’s website