Social Media Minimum Age

We know that delaying access to screens and smart phones benefits the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children.

The aim of the legislation is to provide extra protection for young people by reducing exposure to potential online harm such as:

• Excessive screen time, and the conflict it can cause

• Increased likelihood of exposure to negative or harmful content, including cyber-bullying or resultant social exclusion

• Reduced mental health and wellbeing including anxiety, stress, disrupted sleep or concentration issues

• Privacy or personal data risks.

This legislation does not eliminate all online risks – children will still have access to other digital services, gaming platforms and messaging apps, so ongoing awareness and vigilance is essential.

What’s changing? 

• From 10 December 2025, platforms defined as age-restricted social-media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16’s from creating or maintaining accounts.

• The list of age-restricted platforms is not fixed and may change as services evolve.

• Current examples include Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Kick, Snapchat, Facebook, Threads, Reddit, Twitch and YouTube. Other platforms including Roblox, Lego Play, Discord and others are still accessible for children under 16 at this time.

• Enforcement obligations apply to platforms, not families. However, it is expected that parents will work with the government and schools to support their children through these changes.

• Platforms may use age-assurance technologies such as facial age-estimation or activity-based inference.

• The PAC Go_Reds student Instagram (currently available for Year 7-12 students) will be closed at the end of the 2025 school year.

• Following consultation with Year 6 parents, the College will extend its Preparatory School device policy to 2026 Year 7 students:
• Smart phones, smart watches or mirroring technology will not be permitted during the school day
• Basic ‘dumb’ phones and communication-only watches must be kept in lockers throughout the school day

• Yr 8-12 students will continue to keep devices in lockers during the day.

Support and guidance for Parents 

We know many families are already having conversations about healthy online habits, and the College encourages parents to visit the eSafety Commissioner’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub for practical resources and guidance and to prepare for conversations with children.

This legislated delay in access to social media provides families with valuable time to strengthen children’s digital, social and emotional skills before entering the online space.

Support and guidance for PAC Students

On 4 November, our Year 6 and 7 and then Year 8 and 9 students attended a presentation from Brett Lee, founder of Internet Safe Education. Brett delivered a powerful message to the boys focussing on the key principles for staying safe online and understanding digital rights and responsibilities.

The boys were reminded to raise any concerns with their Tutor, Head of House, or the College Counsellors. These staff will also continue to deliver support and curriculum through the Princes Man Program on this important issue.

Preparation for the Transition at Home:

Your son may experience:

• Irritability, restlessness, or mood swings

• Increased anxiety, boredom or frustration

• Social withdrawal or disrupted sleep

• Attempts to regain access to removed platforms

The following steps can help your family prepare for the change:

1. Start the conversation early 

• Ask your child: “How do you feel about the new age-limit changes for social media?” 

• Allow expression of feelings—many may feel anxious, frustrated, or confused.

2. Map his digital world

• Help your son identify the accounts, chats, communities and content he uses

• Discuss what will happen to his photos, posts or contacts

• Support him in downloading or preserving content he wishes to keep.

3. Offer healthy alternatives

• Explore alternative platforms while staying alert to their risks. (e.g. Messenger Kids, Google Classroom, WhatsApp) 

• Encourage meaningful offline activities: sport, social clubs, creative hobbies. 

4. Model digital wellbeing as a family

• Gradually reduce social media use together to make the transition smoother
• Mute unnecessary notifications
• Use parental controls where appropriate
• Establish screen-free times and device-free bedrooms
• Prioritise offline connection through exercise, time in nature and social activities.

For young people who continue to struggle with this adjustment, parents are encouraged to seek support from your GP, paediatrician, psychologist, or College Student Wellbeing team.