Social media laws are changing in Australia

From 10 December 2025, the Australian government is introducing a Social Media Minimum Age obligation, where certain social media platforms will be restricted to children under the age of 16.

All the details about the restrictions are available on the eSafety Commission’s website.

  • TikTok

  • Twitch

  • Kick

  • X (Twitter)

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • Reddit

  • YouTube

  • Snapchat

The following platforms will no longer be available to under 16’s:

eSafety Commission Website

  • LEGO Play

  • Pinterest

  • Roblox

  • Steam and Steam Chat

  • YouTube Kids

  • Messenger

  • Whatsapp

  • Discord

  • GiftHub

  • Google Classroom

The following services will not be age-restricted when the new law takes effect on 10 December 2025.

Stay Connected

As Youth Leaders it’s likely you use some of the platforms with your ministries account to connect with your young people online. Keep those channels open and continue to share news, invitations and be a witness online.

You can still connect with the 16+ through those platforms, but consider other ways you might engage with those who won’t have access to those platforms.

Group chat’s like Messenger and Whatsapp can be an effective way to continue to connect with these young people.

It’s important to remember that like physical spaces, we have a responsibility to ensure that online spaces are safe and young people are still protected from harm.

Consider the following:

A code of conduct pinned to the chat that outlines expectations

Remove the visibility of personal contact details like mobile numbers.

Have an approval process so you know who has joined that chat and you can authenticate that they are a member of your ministry.

Communicate to adults and leaders in the chat clear boundaries for group chats.

Have clear ways people can report if they are feeling unsafe in the group chat.

View our Group Chat guidelines and sample code of conduct here

PDF coming soon

Build Community

These new laws are coming into effect just as young people are going on school holidays, they are at risk of feeling Lonier and more disconnected than ever!

Consider ways you might continue to build community and foster faith in person as well as online spaces; after Mass hangouts, social sports, mid-week check ins, dance club, Christmas party, community volunteering … the list can go on and on.

Reach out to our team to discuss what this could look like in your context and for resources and support in your planning.

St Carlo Acutis, Patron Saint of the Internet.

Pray for us and our young people.