If you’ve been anywhere near a teen in the past few weeks, you might have heard a lot of worried sighs, frantic scrolling, and the occasional dramatic, “But how will I survive without TikTok?” Australia’s new social media restrictions for under-16s officially land tomorrow. And as a result, social media ban confusion reigns supreme.
The ban, which will cone into effect on 10 December 2025, restricts all users under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms. These include TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. While the aim is to protect young people from harmful content, body image pressures, and the relentless comparison game, many teens are struggling to understand what this really means for their day-to-day lives. Case in point: a 14-year-old recently asked the Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s national charity for eating disorders and body image concerns, if he would still be able to call his mum after the ban. Cue collective parental eye-roll and a very real moment of “oh wow, this is more complicated than we thought.”
It’s Not Just a Switch-Off
Butterfly Foundation’s Director of Education Initiatives, Danni Rowlands, points out that the ban isn’t a magic fix. “While delaying access is one step aimed to protect young people, it doesn’t remove the problem. Harmful content will still be visible once 16-year-olds regain access,” she says. “As young people’s social media world goes quiet for now, we must take the opportunity to give them protective skills that will last a lifetime.”
In other words, the screens may be off, but the pressures remain. Video-sharing sites, influencer content, private group chats – these spaces are still alive and kicking, and sometimes they’re even more intense. Teens may still consume content that shapes their views on bodies, beauty, and health. They might just be doing it more secretly now.
Why Parents Need to Stay Alert
Helen Bird, Butterfly’s Head of Prevention, warns that the ban could leave some teens feeling uncertain or anxious. “This ban is likely to leave some young people feeling uncertain and anxious as their usual routines and habits disappear overnight. It’s important for adults to stay open and curious as to how young people are feeling and being impacted. Communication is key,” she says.
She also flags the risk of disordered eating behaviours emerging as teens try to regain a sense of control in a world that suddenly feels restricted. For parents, carers, and educators, the key is vigilance – knowing the warning signs, validating feelings, and intervening early if needed.
Digital Literacy is the real MVP
While screens might be temporarily quieter, this is the perfect moment to focus on building critical digital skills. Danni Rowlands stresses the importance of guiding teens to navigate appearance-based content, beauty and health ideals, AI, misinformation, algorithms, and online safety features. These skills aren’t just useful while the ban is in place – they’re essential for life online.
Butterfly’s BodyKind Online Education program specifically equips secondary students with media literacy skills and self-compassion. Early feedback from years 7 and 8 students shows that it really works: “It made me feel better about myself,” said one student, while another added, “[It taught me] to never compare myself to others.”
The program also includes resources for parents and carers, helping adults guide their teens through this unprecedented digital shift. Danni encourages families to recommend BodyKind Online Education to their child’s school and use the free parent resources to help navigate safer social media habits long-term.
Tips for Navigating Social Media Ban Confusion
So, what can parents do while their teens’ social media feeds go quiet? Here are some practical pointers for navigating the social media ban confusion :
- Explain the restrictions early. Don’t wait until the ban hits to talk about what it means.
- Know their online world. Keep track of the accounts, pages, and influencers shaping your teen’s views on fashion, eating, training, and lifestyle habits.
- Validate feelings. Avoid dismissive phrases like “you’ll be alright” or “it’s for your own good.” Instead, acknowledge that this is a real adjustment.
- Check coping strategies, If your teen is struggling, identify how they’re managing. If these strategies aren’t positive, seek professional support early.
- Model healthy behaviour. Limit your own social media use and prioritise in-person connection. Teens notice when adults are walking the talk.
- Remember: social media isn’t the only influence. Teens will still encounter harmful messages in other spaces, so building digital literacy skills through programs like BodyKind is key.
The Butterfly Foundation’s Christmas appeal campaign, Kids are growing up online, aims to raise awareness of the impact of social media on young people and support programs like BodyKind Online Education. You can find out more or contribute at protect-kids.butterfly.org.au.
In the end, it’s not about completely shielding teens from the digital world. It’s about equipping them with the tools, skills, and confidence to navigate it safely – whether they’re online, offline, or somewhere in between. And yes, reassuringly, a 14-year-old can still call his mum.
Help and Support
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
- Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
- Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
- For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
