AusAlert National Messaging System
The Australian Government is testing a new emergency messaging system called ‘AusAlert’ that will be used by emergency services to warn the public of natural hazards, public safety threats and health emergencies. Alerts will show up as notifications on devices when in cell-broadcast range, regardless of SIM-card provider.
Find out more about AusAlert in different languages here: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/languages
Read about AusAlert for children, families and young people here: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/children-teens
Welcome to Your Space
We’ll share information on the new social media minimum age law. You can check in at any time for updates. We know you’ll learn to navigate life beyond social media quickly — just as you always have — and we’re here beside you, ready to keep working together every step of the way.
Everything You Need to Know About the New Social Media Minimum Age Law
Australia has introduced a new law that changes how young people can use social media. If you’re under 16, these changes will affect the way you access age-restricted social media platforms. This page is here to give you clear, simple information about what the new social media age law means, why it’s happening, and other ways you can safely stay online.
Being under 16 doesn’t mean you’re cut off from the digital world — but some platforms now have age limits that social media companies must follow. We want to make sure you understand these changes and feel supported as you adjust. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know, plus resources in English and 10 other languages to help you and your community stay informed.
What’s Changed?
People living in Australia now need to be 16 years or older to hold a social media account.
This is part of the Australian Government’s world-leading effort to keep young people safer online. The new law means that social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent people under 16 from creating or having accounts.
Age-restricted social media platforms include:
- Kick
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- Twitch
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
What You Can Still Use
If you’re under 16, you can continue using services that are not considered age-restricted platforms, which include:
- Discord
- GitHub
- Google Classroom
- LEGO Play
- Facebook Messenger
- Roblox
- Steam and Steam Chat
- YouTube Kids
eSafety is continually assessing online services and the list of age-restricted platforms can change. You can find the up-to-date list here.
Why This Page Exists
This page is here to:
- Give you trusted information about the new social media minimum age law
- Share English and in-language resources made for young people and their families
- Help you stay connected with MYAN, even without social media
- Support you as you learn to navigate life outside social media — and remind you that we’re here with you every step of the way
You’ll find all campaign materials below, including translated versions for easier access.
Want to Learn More?
To understand the social media minimum age, why it has been introduced, how young people can be supported through this change, and access the latest information and resources, visit: www.eSafety.gov.au
If you’d like to reach out to us directly, feel free to email us at myanprojects@myan.org.au.
No matter how old you are, if something goes wrong while you’re on social media or anywhere else online, help is available – you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Check out I need help page for young people.
The new social media age law doesn’t just affect young people, they also ask parents and caregivers to play an important role in helping kids navigate this change safely and confidently. Your support matters.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:
- Understand the new 16+ minimum age for social media accounts
- Talk openly with young people about the changes and why they’re happening
- Help guide safe online choices and set healthy boundaries
- Support young people as they transition away from age-restricted platforms
- Stay informed about online risks, safety tools, and available support
To help you have these conversations, the eSafety Commissioner has created easy-to-use conversation starters, available here:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/conversation-starters
Conversation starter in 10 Languages
Parents and communities can access clear, bilingual factsheet and conversation starters about the new social media law in ten languages, including:
These resources explain what the new minimum age requirements mean, which platforms are affected, and how families can support young people through the transition.
If someone in your family is under 16 and adjusting to the new social media minimum age law, this section is here for you as well. Changes like these can affect everyone in a household, and siblings often understand each other in ways no one else does.
Whether you’re older or younger, your experiences and perspectives matter. You might be figuring out these changes together, or you might already be navigating online spaces in your own way. However your family is approaching it, this is a chance to support each other, share what you know, and create safe, positive ways to stay connected.
You don’t have to have all the answers — just being present, curious, and open to conversation can make a big difference. Many families find it helpful to explore the changes together, look at trusted information, and talk about what feels comfortable and safe online.
To help answer any questions you may have, eSafety has an FAQs page, available here – https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/campaign/community-resources
FAQs in 10 Languages
Families can access clear, in-language FAQs about the new social media law in ten languages, including:
Arabic – العربية
Simplified Chinese – 简体中文
Traditional Chinese – 繁體中文
Korean – 한국어
Vietnamese – Tiếng Việt
Punjabi – ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Dari – درى
Spanish – Español
Urdu – اردو
Nepali – नेपाली
These resources showcase the facts about the social media age restrictions that will help keep young people under 16 safer online.
Webinar: Young People Reimagining Social Connection
Hear five young people share their experiences in how they have navigated the Social Media Minimum Age Law change.