Australia’s Bold Move: Banning Social Media for Kids Under 16

Picture this: you hand your 13-year-old your car keys and let them speed off into the sunset. No driving lessons, no license, just a “Have fun!” 

I’m sure you’re thinking, “That’s crazy, I would never be that reckless.”

Now, picture this: you hand your 13-year-old their first iPhone and let them explore the web. No conversations about online safety, no monitoring—just free access to 5 billion strangers and potential dangers like predatory behaviour, inappropriate content, and harmful algorithms.

Both a vehicle and a phone are powerful tools. And yet, we prepare kids to use one safely but don’t give the same thought to the other.

Enter, Australia’s social media ban for kids under 16.

Set to take effect in late 2025, this law aims to protect kids online, but it’s just one piece of the solution.

At ExEd, we believe that laws like this are a critical first step in response to social media and tech companies refusing to ensure the safety of children and youth on their platforms. However, these laws need to work hand-in-hand with education. Just like new drivers need lessons before hitting the road, kids need guidance to navigate the digital world safely. Real change happens when parents and kids can have honest conversations, recognize risks, and make smarter, safer choices together.

This isn’t just about restrictions; it’s about empowering kids to thrive in a digital world–safely.

Want to learn more about Australia’s new social media age restriction? Click here to check out this BBC article for a deeper dive.