The internet is a great way to socialise, learn, work, play and be entertained — but with technology comes risks. Do you know how to keep your child safe online?
If you need support to report cyberbullying, image-based abuse or illegal and harmful content go to Report Abuse on the eSafety Commissioner website. You can also learn about the latest games, apps and social media platforms, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content in The eSafety Guide.
Social media age restrictions
Through world-first social media age restrictions, the Australian Government is protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development. The restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that can come from using social media.
From 10 December 2025, Australian young people under the age of 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms.
To support the social media age restrictions, the Department of Education will restrict Kindergarten to Year 10 students from accessing the following social media platforms on school networks:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Kick
- Reddit
- Twitch.
Other age-restricted platforms may be considered in the future following recommendations from the eSafety Commissioner.
At this time, YouTube will not be subject to the central restrictions. Under-16s can access educational materials such as YouTube lessons or videos in a logged-out state.
Schools can place additional restrictions at their local network level, including student access to YouTube and Year 11 and 12 student access to social media platforms.
To help understand and prepare for the changes, access information on the eSafety Commissioner’s Social media age restrictions hub.
Support resources are available for:
You can also register for their free parent and carer webinar.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) protects the privacy of all Australians. The OAIC, alongside the eSafety Commissioner, ensures social media companies obey the law and protect your personal information when following the new social media age restrictions.
To learn more about the OAIC, age assurance methods and tips on how to have a conversation about online privacy, refer to Social Media Minimum Age fact sheet for children.
Tips to help your children be safe and responsible online users
Set the ground rules
- Establish rules about the types of content or information your child should report to an adult – for example, telling you about any swearing or bad words they find online.
- Set rules to make sure your child knows what information they can share or post online and the websites they can visit. This includes telling a trusted adult before posting any personal information online, including for competition entries.
- Encourage your child to use the same manners and communication they would use offline, and remind them it’s okay to report others who aren't being nice.
Stay involved
- Closely monitor younger children’s internet use.
- Try to keep the computer in a shared or visible place in the home.
- Be aware of how your child uses the internet and explore it with them.
Proactively guide
- Help your child understand that what they say and do online is important.
- Encourage your child to learn about online safety with fun and engaging resources from the eSafety Commissioner website. For information to help your child stay safe online, refer to:
- Learn about online safety for your child from the eSafety Commissioner website, including the parents section and parent resources. Online safety information is also available in multiple languages.
- Talk to your child about personal information and why it is special and remind them how it can be used to identify or locate them.
- Bookmark a list of favourite sites you are comfortable with your child visiting and teach them how to access this list.
- Consider using filters to help manage your child's online access.
Support positively
- Advise your child not to respond to any negative messages and to report any hurtful messages they receive to you or another trusted adult.
- Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with material that worries or frightens them – this includes immediately telling a trusted adult of any concerns or uncomfortable material and how to close a web page or turn off a screen.
- If your child shows any concerning changes in behaviour or mood then talk to them or seek professional support – Kids Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for young people, and your school may also be able to help.
- To improve digital awareness, spot scams and protect your family online, access the Cybermarvel online safety awareness program. Parents can access online safety resources and webinars through the Cybermarvel program.
Young people and fighting
Children under the age of 18 can still get in trouble with the law for being involved in a fight. This includes fighting someone, or for helping or encouraging someone to fight another person. The punishment will depend on how serious the charge is, if there is a criminal record, and other personal circumstances.
A child can get in trouble with the law if they:
- organise a fight.
- prevent the victim from getting away or from leaving the assault.
- shout out words of encouragement. For example: yell out words like “go on, hit them”.
- film a young person fighting.
- post or share a video of a young person in a fight on social media.
- keep a video of a fight involving a young person that was sent to you, whether you asked for the footage or not, or
- ask someone to send you a video of a fight involving a young person.
For information on the laws about fighting, refer to One punch can change a life.
