Understanding the Social Media Delay and Supporting Young People Online

resource • 19/11/2025 •

Our recent Parenting Young Minds workshop explored the proposed Australian social media age delay and what it may mean for young people, parents and schools within the Geelong community.

Our special guest, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading child and adolescent psychologists, unpacked the research, risks and opportunities of young people’s online world. Below is a summary of the key information, practical strategies and helpful resources discussed during the session.

Why is a social media delay being proposed?

Across Australia, concerns are increasing about the impact of social media on children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Research shows that heavier use is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. This is influenced by factors such as:

  • Social comparison – curated images and unrealistic content can affect self-worth
  • Sleep disruption – late-night scrolling impacts mood, concentration and overall wellbeing
  • Cyberbullying – harmful behaviour follows young people beyond school and into their homes
  • Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – constant notifications can elevate stress and anxiety
  • Addictive platform design – apps are built to keep users scrolling
  • Displacement of healthy activities – less time spent on sport, family connection, creative play and in-person interaction

The proposed delay is intended to reduce exposure to these risks, giving young people more time to develop resilience, social skills and offline foundations before navigating online environments.

Which platforms will be affected?

This policy area is still evolving, and additional platforms may be included. Based on current information, the delay is expected to apply to major platforms including:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • TikTok
  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • YouTube
  • And other social networking services

From 10 December 2025, accounts linked to an under-16 user will be disabled. It will be illegal for platforms to allow under-16s to hold accounts, and companies will be responsible for enforcing this through emerging age-verification technology.

How can families support young people through this transition?

For many young people, social media is closely tied to identity, friendships and daily routines. This change may bring up frustration, sadness or uncertainty, and supportive conversations will be important.

Approach with openness and curiosity

  • Invite them to share how they feel, without downplaying their emotions
  • Be willing to listen even if you disagree
  • Avoid rigid statements like “this is for your own good”
  • Empower them by framing this as a positive shift:
    “You are choosing to reclaim your time and attention.”

Help them build new routines

  • Create device-free zones or times in the home
  • Encourage alternatives such as sport, hobbies, volunteering or creative projects
  • Keep communication open and ongoing, rather than a one-off conversation

Model and teach healthy digital habits

  • Demonstrate balanced technology use
  • Support digital literacy and help them understand how platforms are designed
  • Promote digital leadership: being an upstander, using platforms positively and resisting harmful group dynamics
  • Schools may consider activities that explain how platforms keep users scrolling, helping students feel informed and less powerless

Helpful Resources for Parents

Thank You

Read the Play sincerely thanks Dr Michael Carr-Gregg for his time, expertise and generous insights. His guidance offered families practical tools to navigate an evolving digital landscape with confidence and care.

We will continue to update this page as national policy around social media access develops. For the most current information, we encourage families to visit the Social media age restrictions hub linked above.