Australia’s social media minimum age laws will soon cover Reddit and Kick, bringing the total of age-restricted platforms to nine, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, and the newly added services. The changes, set to take effect on 10 December 2025, require platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $49.5 million.
The laws target platforms whose “sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stressed that the list of platforms is dynamic, and future updates will respond to technological developments. Platforms will also be expected to implement robust age-verification processes and to notify underage users about potential account deactivation.
At a press briefing, Minister for Communications Anika Wells highlighted the legislation as a step toward giving children a reprieve from harmful online content, including predatory algorithms, toxic popularity metrics, and other manipulative tools. While acknowledging that the law will not prevent all underage access, Wells emphasized the aim of fostering a cultural shift in social media use among children aged 13–16.
During the briefing, 12-year-old Flossie from Hobart shared a pledge she created for her classmates, in which students under 16 promised to avoid social media until reaching the legal age. Flossie explained that her motivation came from wanting to test her parents’ concerns about the impact of social media on young people.
The government has also launched a national education campaign to support parents, educators, and children. Resources are available via eSafety.gov.au, including guides, webinars, and conversation starters to help families navigate discussions about online safety. The campaign emphasizes that young people will still be able to access messaging services, search the internet, and participate in online gaming, even as certain social media platforms become age-restricted.
The expansion of the minimum age law follows ongoing engagement between regulators and platforms to ensure compliance. Reddit has reportedly implemented age-assurance tools, while Kick has agreed to adhere to age-restriction requirements. Other services, including Twitch and Steam, remain under evaluation.
The government expects the legislation to gradually change social norms around children’s social media use, providing families with additional time to encourage offline activities and resilience-building before adolescents begin engaging more actively online.
