What the New Social Media Ban (Delay) Means for Children — and Why It Matters
As you may be aware, the government has recently announced a new social media ban for children - the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age). From 10 December 2025 many social media platforms will no longer allow children under the age of 16 years to create or maintain accounts.
What changes — and when
- From 10 December, ‘age-restricted’ social media platforms must block or deactivate accounts belonging to under-16s.
- The list of affected services includes major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Kick and others — though this may evolve over time.
- Platforms that do not meet the “social media” definition or are exempt (for example standalone messaging apps, some gaming or educational services) remain available for under-16s.
Why the ban has been introduced — key goals
- Protecting wellbeing: Research and community concerns highlight real risks associated with early social media use — including mental health pressures, exposure to inappropriate or distressing content, sleep disruption, and social comparison. The ban aims to give children more time to mature emotionally and socially before navigating the challenges of online social media environments.
- Reducing peer-pressure and “fear of missing out”: By making the restriction universal (rather than leaving it up to individual parents), the law seeks to relieve families from having to decide who "does or doesn’t get social media" — so no child feels left behind simply because their parent withheld permission.
- Encouraging healthy alternatives: Without social media accounts, children are encouraged to spend more time on face-to-face friendships, physical activity, creative play, hobbies, learning, and rest — all valuable during key developmental years. The ban supports parents in encouraging balanced technology use and offline interaction.
What this means for our School community
At Mosman Prep, we are supportive of this change and see it as an opportunity to reinforce healthy digital habits. At school, we will continue to promote digital citizenship, respectful behaviour, and safe online practices. We invite parents to use this as a chance to discuss with children topics such as online safety, privacy, screen time, healthy friendships, and offline activities.
This change is about giving our boys the healthiest possible start — preserving childhood, protecting wellbeing, and reaffirming the importance of real-life connections.
Tips for Parents
The most effective parental strategies centre on empathy, open communication, and proactive substitution of digital time with healthy alternatives.
Start with Empathy and Open Dialogue
A ban can feel like a loss of connection or freedom for a child. Your role is to acknowledge their feelings while explaining the bigger picture perhaps use the term 'delay' rather than ban.
- Acknowledge the Loss: Don't dismiss their feelings. Say, "I know you're feeling angry/sad about losing touch with your friends. That is a real loss, and it's okay to feel that way."
- Explain the Rationale: Frame the ban around protection and wellbeing, not punishment. Explain that the law is designed to shield their developing brain from peer pressure, cyberbullying, and harmful content. You can now tell them, "This is the law, and it's here to help protect you."
- Encourage Collaboration: Work with your child to prepare. If they have an account, help them download and save memories (photos, videos, contacts) before the deactivation deadline.
- Create a Safe Space: Reiterate that they can always come to you, without fear of harsh judgment, if they encounter any challenging online situations (even on platforms not covered by the ban)
Facilitate Offline and "Ban-Exempt" Connection
The main concern for children is losing social connection. Help them transition their friendships to safer, regulated, or offline spaces.
- In-Person Connection - Prioritise Hangouts: Facilitate more real-world catch-ups, sleepovers, and weekend outings.
- Alternative Digital Chat - Use Exempt Apps: Encourage age-appropriate, private platforms like secure messaging apps or closed group chats that are typically excluded from the ban (check official government guidance for exempted services like basic messaging/calling).
- Shared Activities - Group Gaming: Look for family-friendly, multiplayer online games (e.g. Minecraft) where they can connect with friends in a structured environment. These are often exempt from the ban.
- Creative/Hobby Alternatives - Substitute the 'Why': If they liked TikTok dances, suggest a video game like Just Dance or joining a dance/drama club. If they liked sharing art, encourage apps like Canva or Pinterest (if age-appropriate) for digital creation.
Model and Teach Digital Literacy
The ban does not eliminate all online risk. It's vital to teach them how to navigate the wider internet safely.
- Audit Your Own Use: Children learn by example. Model healthy screen use by setting your own phone down during family time (dinner, bedtime).
- Set Family Routines: Establish clear, predictable device-free zones (e.g., bedrooms, dinner table). This makes boundaries routine, not a punishment.
- Teach Critical Thinking: Help them assess what they see online. Discuss topics like:
- Misinformation - "How do you know if that story is true?"
- Digital Footprint - "Would you show this post/comment to your coach or grandmother?"
- Cyber-scenarios - Talk through what to do if someone sends a nasty comment or inappropriate content on a messaging app.
The goal is to reframe this law as an opportunity to build healthier, lifelong digital habits and stronger real-world connections.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Reference:
eSafety – Social Media Restrictions
