Australia has today become the first nation to ban social media for children under 16, with tech companies facing fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance. As the historic legislation comes into effect, Australian Parents Council President Jenny Branch-Allen says that while the reforms are vital for protecting young people, families need significant support to navigate the changes.
Media release – Jenny Branch-Allen, President, Australian Parents Council, 10 December 2025
Social Media Reforms
The Australian Parents Council supports the Government commitment to delaying social media access for young people but acknowledges many challenges lay ahead.
Parents are doing their best, but they are up against powerful platforms designed to capture attention, encourage dependency, and expose children to inappropriate content long before they are developmentally ready. The current implantation plan shifts a lot of the burden back onto families, many of whom simply do not have the tools, time, or technical expertise to keep up.
It is troubling that, despite overwhelming evidence about the impacts of excessive social media use- poor mental health, disrupted sleep, bullying, body image pressure, and reduced engagement in learning. there remains such resistance to meaningful reform. Some argue that safeguards threaten business interests or personal freedoms. Others downplay the risks because they did not experience the online world as children themselves. Too many are unwilling to acknowledge the scale of the problem or the profound and lasting damage being inflicted on young people.
The ones who will struggle most are those already vulnerable: children with existing mental health challenges, those experiencing social isolation, and young people without strong family support networks. These delays compound disadvantage and widen the gap between children who can navigate online spaces safely and those who cannot.
The Australian Parents Council will be watching closely as this issue evolves over the coming months and years. Our website will provide ongoing up to date information for families. We will continue to advocate for timely, evidence-based action that protects children and supports parents, because our young people cannot afford further delay.
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