Australia’s Social Media Ban: Supporting Children and Teenagers Through Change

Recently, Australia announced new legislation aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under a certain age. The intent behind this decision is to address growing concerns around online safety, mental health, exposure to harmful content, and the impact of social media on young people’s wellbeing.

For many families, this change may bring a mix of relief, uncertainty, and new challenges. Social media plays a significant role in how children and teenagers connect, learn, and express themselves. A sudden shift — even one designed for protection — can feel unsettling, particularly for young people who rely on online spaces for social connection.

Understanding How Children and Teenagers May Feel

Children and adolescents may respond to these changes in different ways. Some may feel frustrated or confused, while others may experience anxiety, sadness, or a sense of loss. For many young people, social media is not “just an app” — it can represent friendship, identity, belonging, and independence.

It’s important to recognise that strong emotional reactions are not defiance or misbehaviour, but a reflection of how meaningful these platforms have become in their lives.

How Parents and Carers Can Offer Support

1. Start with open, respectful conversations

   Invite your child or teenager to share their thoughts and feelings about the changes. Listen without judgement or immediate problem-solving. Feeling heard and understood helps young people regulate emotions and build trust.

   
   

2. Acknowledge the loss

   Even if you agree with the ban, acknowledging that something meaningful has changed for your child is important. Validating feelings doesn’t mean endorsing the behaviour it shows empathy and respect.

   
   

3. Focus on connection, not control

   Where possible, shift the focus from enforcement to collaboration. Discuss boundaries together and involve young people in decisions about how they will stay connected with friends in safe, healthy ways.

   
   

4. Support alternative forms of connection

   Encourage opportunities for face-to-face social interaction, creative outlets, hobbies, and shared family activities. These experiences help replace some of the social connection previously found online.

   
   

5. Be mindful of increased anxiety or behaviour changes

   Some children may show increased distress, withdrawal, emotional outbursts, or changes in sleep or behaviour. These are signs that extra support, reassurance, or routine may be needed during the adjustment period.

   
   

6. Model balanced technology use

   Children and teenagers learn from what they see. Demonstrating healthy, balanced use of technology including breaks, boundaries, and offline time reinforces the values you’re encouraging.

   
   

Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Young People

For neurodivergent children and teenagers, including those with autism or anxiety, social media can sometimes feel safer and more predictable than in-person interactions. Changes may feel particularly disruptive.

Extra preparation, visual supports, clear explanations, and consistent routines can help reduce anxiety. Where needed, professional support can assist in developing alternative social and emotional regulation strategies.

Moving Forward Together

While changes like these can be challenging, they also provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build communication skills, and support young people to develop healthy coping strategies in a changing digital world.

At Ladybug Therapeutic Collective, we believe that meaningful progress happens when children and young people feel safe, supported, and respected. If your family is finding this transition difficult, behaviour support and capacity-building strategies can help navigate emotional regulation, communication, and change in a compassionate and practical way.

You don’t have to navigate these changes alone.

Warm Regards,

Katie G - Behaviour Support Practitioner