Australians now have to be 16 years or over to have a social media account.
This is part of the Australian Government's world-leading action to reduce online harms experienced by young Australians by introducing a minimum age to access social media.
Age-restricted social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube, now need to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having a social media account.
Under 16s can continue to access messaging apps (such as WhatsApp and Messenger), online gaming, professional networking and professional development services, and services that are primarily for the purposes of education and health support.
To find out more about the social media minimum age, including how to support young people through this change, visit www.eSafety.gov.au.