Australia’s pending age-restrictions on social media platforms aim to reduce online harm, but could also trigger isolation, anxiety, and shifts in cyberbullying.
In this article we cover key steps for schools to take ahead of the social media ban, both by utilising the new eSafety resources for educators1 and around:
- communication practices and student supports;
- wellbeing practice and behaviour management frameworks; and
- digital safety and literacy.
The changes and the role of the school
With the deadline fast approaching, schools across Australia must prepare for the introduction of new age restrictions on social media platforms on 10 December 2025 under the amended Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth).2
The eSafety Commissioner has clarified that the changes represent a lifting of the minimum age of access rather than as a ‘ban’, for the primary purpose of protecting children from harmful online environments.
The ‘ban’ will prevent children under 16 from being able to register accounts with certain platforms (expected to include Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat and YouTube, and potentially Roblox3) in order to restrict access to harmful content and curtail avenues through which they may be bullied. It will not prevent the use of platforms such as YouTube by educators for learning purposes.
This shift is more than a technical adjustment. It signals a broader cultural change in how young people will be able to engage with digital spaces, information and each other.
Not only are schools able play a critical role in supporting students through the transition, the changes may introduce new risks to the school environment which schools will need to account for in their child safety risk management practices.
Why the Social Media changes matter
The Australian Government has framed the measure as a necessary step to safeguard children from harmful online content and mitigate risks associated with excessive social media use.4 These risks include:
- Mental health concerns: Anxiety, depression, and body image issues are increasingly linked to social media use. The World Health Organisation estimates that one in seven teens currently experience mental health conditions. Locally, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that rates of depression and anxiety among 15–34-year-olds have more than doubled since 2009.
- Exposure to harm: According to the eSafety Commissioner’s 2021 report, 44% of young Australians have experienced negative online interactions, with 15% reporting threats or abuse.
However, even though the unregulated use of social media poses significant risks, it can also offer connection and community, particularly for marginalised groups. While a 2024 ANU study found that regular social media use negatively impacted life satisfaction for Year 10 and 11 students, it also noted that non-binary students reported higher satisfaction levels when using platforms like Twitter (now X), highlighting the complexity of the issue.5
What Schools should do to prepare for the Social Media Ban
Although the Online Safety Act amendments do not impose new legal obligations on schools, the age restrictions will have practical implications for child safety policies, duty of care, and student wellbeing. Schools should act now to ensure they are ready. Emerging risks must be identified and proactively managed:
- Isolation: Students may experience social disconnection as familiar communication platforms are restricted.
- Mental Health Strain: Increased anxiety or distress may arise during the transition, especially for students who rely on social media for support or identity affirmation.
- Exacerbation of Existing Behaviours: Students already experiencing behavioural or emotional difficulties may see these issues worsen due to disrupted routines and reduced access to online coping mechanisms.
- Cyberbullying Migration: Harmful behaviours may shift to less regulated or harder-to-monitor platforms, including messaging apps, or migrate into in-person interactions.
1. Review Communication Practices
Ensure that staff are not communicating with students via platforms that may now fall under the social media umbrella (e.g., WhatsApp). Instead, use purpose-built educational platforms that are age-appropriate and secure.
2. Update Policies and Protocols
Child safety and acceptable use policies need to be updated to address new online risks or student needs.
- Child Safety Policies: Reflect the impact of reduced social media access in your child safety documentation. This includes protocols for responding to mental health concerns, online bullying, and mitigating isolation.
- Acceptable Use Policies: Review and update IT restrictions to ensure that any emerging platforms which may pose risks are identified and blocked.
Strategic policy amendments can also assist Schools who face the need to discipline students for out-of-hours conduct which is inconsistent with the Student Code of Conduct and takes place on age-restricted platforms.
4. Support Student Wellbeing
As students lose access to familiar communication channels, schools must provide alternative support systems within the school environment:
- Counselling Services: Prepare for increased demand as students adjust to new norms.
- Workshops and Feedback Channels: Engage students and parents in discussions about the changes. Use these forums to gather insights and refine your approach.
- Peer Support Programs: Help students maintain social connections in healthy, offline ways.
- Data Collection: Monitor student wellbeing to assess the effectiveness of your interventions.
- Resources: Identify and provide connections to resources and services that children may have previously found or accessed via social media.
5. Promote Safe Digital Habits
According to the eSafety Commissioner’s 2021 report, teens want online safety information delivered through trusted channels, including from their school.6 Support students to say “not yet” to social media and “yes” to healthy and safe digital habits through proactive education and community engagement. This includes:
- Teaching students how to find trustworthy sources of information.
- Encouraging participation in non-social media communities and activities.
- Continuing to embed digital literacy and online safety into the curriculum.
Looking ahead
While the intent behind the age restrictions is clear, questions remain about their broader impact because lack of consultation with key stakeholders has left some uncertainty.
Will they effectively reduce harm, or inadvertently isolate young people from valuable online spaces?
What is clear, however, is that schools must take reasonable steps under their duty of care to support students through this transition and protect from the reasonably foreseeable harms that may emerge in the school environment. Now is the time to act, before the December deadline arrives.
How we can help
Moores can assist with helping you:
- Ensure you are taking reasonable steps and meeting your child safety obligations with respect to emerging online risks under Ministerial Order 1359.
- Evaluate whether your child safety practices (including the engagement with family and children) meet your obligations under the Minimum Standards for School Registration in light of the changes.
- Provide training to your staff and students on the traps and protective measures available with respect to online harms, image-based abuse, and e-Safety.
Contact us
Please contact us for more detailed and tailored help.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek legal advice regarding the application of the law to you or your organisation.