Swimming between the digital flags: helping young Australians navigate social media’s dangerous currents

The relationship between social media and children’s mental health is one of the most important conversations of our time. That's why, from mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts. 

This week, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant outlined how Australia plans to take this bold action forward, in a speech delivered at the National Press Club. 

Here's what parents need to know right now: 

1. It’s not a ban, it’s a delay. We’re giving kids more time to build digital skills and resilience before facing the pressures of social media.  
    
2. The responsibility lies with the platform. There are no penalties for children or parents—only for platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.  
    
3. You’re not alone. eSafety offers trusted resources for parents and carers, educators, young people and kids. We’ve got the flags, the swimming lessons, and the safety tips to help you support your kids. And our protective powers in areas such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse will still be there to help if things go wrong.  

Australia is building a culture of online safety—just like we’ve done on our beaches. Because the internet, like the ocean, is not going away – and our kids are already dipping their toes in. To stay up to date on social media age restrictions, visit eSafety.gov.au.

When 'love' becomes control

Recent findings from an eSafety survey suggest controlling behaviours are becoming normalised in young people’s romantic relationships. Track, harass, repeat: Investigating attitudes that normalise tech-based coercive control found nearly 1 in 5 young people think it’s okay to track their partner whenever they want and almost 1 in 3 young people believe constantly texting their partner to ask what they’re doing and who they’re with is a sign of care.  

If a young person you know is in a worrying relationship, and you’re unsure how to help, you can:  

• Register for eSafety’s free parent and carer webinar: Recognising online control in young people’s lives, 6 August 2025, 12.30pm 
• Read our latest Online Safety Advisory: When love becomes control 
• Listen to the Daily Aus podcast unpacking the eSafety data: Is tracking your partner healthy?  
• Share this information with the young person in your life: Being in a respectful relationship 

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025 

Tuesday 5 August, 3.45-4.30pm Find out more 

AI-assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat 

Thursday 21 August, 12.30-1.15pm Find out more

Understanding AI companions: what parents and carers need to know 

Thursday 28 August, 12.30-1.15pm Find out more 

Findings from eSafety research indicate that parents can help protect against harmful online experiences by encouraging open communication and dialogue. 

Regular, supportive conversations about online experiences help children feel safe and understood, making it easier for them to come to you if something goes wrong.  

To help you start the conversation with your kids, eSafety has a number of resources designed for parents: 

• Online safety basics – the 1,2,3 of how to help your children make sound decisions online 
• The hard-to-have conversations – a step-by-step guide for parents  
• Where to get help and support – links to support services like Kids helpline