BY KRUSHNADEVSINH RAVALJI
History is defined by key moments of transformation that shape society. From the birth of the internet to global air travel, how we communicate and explore the world changes all the time. For families across Australia, a new defining moment has arrived.
On 10 December 2025, Australia saw a generation-defining shift as some social media platforms restrict account access to those aged under 16. The new law was a world leading initiative to keep young people safer online. It achieves this by removing exposure to predatory algorithms, endless scrolling functions, relentless notifications and alerts, and constantly seeking online validation.
Over eight years of working alongside teens, I have witnessed firsthand how social media influences perspectives and behaviours, and how it is entrenched in so many young people’s routine.
I work closely with youth through Third Culture and as a former Youth Commissioner with the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Commission. So I’d like to share some tips that might help your teens navigate the changes to social media access while maintaining meaningful connections.
- Explore the ‘third spaces’ in the community
If your teen looks to social media for inspiration and meeting interesting minds, your local ‘third space’ – a communal place where people can gather, chat, and connect out of home or school – is the in-person equivalent. Encourage your teen to visit their local library as it is a great place to meet. Community centres hold a range of peer-to-peer programs, or they could check out the local music venues or cultural institutions nearby with their friends and chat and swap stories in person.
These ‘third spaces’ are the perfect environment to step outside the algorithmic bubble and connect with new people whose stories are not on a screen.
In the meantime, young people are able to still use their devices to engage through other platforms that are excluded from the law such as WhatsApp and Messenger, including friends and family overseas.
- Build connections through interest groups
Whether it’s through sports teams or volunteering opportunities, joining local groups is a fantastic way to meet new friends and bond over shared interests. Many schools also offer programs that students can enjoy over the school holidays.
I volunteered at tennis events, where I bonded with many people who shared my passion for the sport. Those experiences helped shape me into the person I am today.
- Diversify their news and information source
For many young people, social media has been the go-to newsroom. But there’s a whole world of reliable information including media apps, newspapers, radio and TV. Re-introduce some of these channels to help broaden the way your family consumes content.
This transition may feel particularly significant for under 16s who play a key role in the household. This could be helping to translate the news for family members or managing important documents. Having grown up with similar responsibilities, I understand that adapting to this change can be a challenge. However, just as we successfully navigated the move to a new country and the complexities of adult life, I know our young people have the resilience to navigate this change too.
- Embrace the ‘vintage’ way of staying connected
As parents and older siblings born before the widespread use of social media could testify, there are so many ways to stay connected with people you love and care about. It is important to reassure your under 16s that this change isn’t about ‘going back in time’. It’s about swapping the ‘passive scroll’ for active contact. Instead of just observing friends through stories or communicating in memes, we can encourage them to send a direct text, join a group chat, or make a phone or video call.
- Maintain a positive mindset and position the change as an opportunity
I understand it might be difficult for young people to view a new “rule” in their life as an opportunity, but since the social media minimum age is now in place, we can use this shift to their advantage.
They can take that reclaimed time and reinvest it into the people they know and cherish. Whether it’s a family movie night or heading out to a local event with friends, the goal remains the same: to stay present, connected, and make the most of those real-life moments.
- Lean on their support network
It’s easy for young people to feel like they’re navigating this change by themselves. However, there are many youth organisations and resources available – as well as family and friends – as support.
So, parents, I encourage you to:
- check in with your kids regularly and lead with empathy
- be the role model for them to be more present. That means less scrolling for you too
- work with them to build their digital literacy.
While the age restriction helps protect young people from exposure to harmful content and addictive features now, the social media platforms won’t suddenly be risk-free when they turn 16.
While more than 4.7 million social media accounts were deactivated in December after the social media changes started, there’s still more work to be done and this is a great time to help build digital literacy and skills with the young people in your life. This will help them be better equipped to navigate and identify risks when they gain full access to the social media world. For resources to help young people navigate this change, build digital literacy, and information on more ways you can support them in the process, visit eSafety.gov.au.
