Burdekin Families Feel Early Effects Of Social Media Minimum Age

Families in Burdekin are among those impacted by Australia’s new social media minimum age, with about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 removed in the first half of December, according to initial figures from eSafety.

The rules, which took effect on 10 December, aim to prevent children from holding social media accounts. eSafety has shifted from preparation to monitoring, focusing on platforms with high under-16 usage.

“I am very pleased with these preliminary results,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.

“It is clear that eSafety’s regulatory guidance and engagement with platforms is already delivering significant outcomes.”

While some accounts remain active, Ms Inman Grant said it is too early to judge full compliance.

“While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it’s important to remember that just like other safety laws, success is measured by reduction in harm and in re-setting cultural norms,” she said.

She added, “Speed limits, for instance, are not a failure because some people speed. Most would agree that roads are safer because of them. Over time, compliance increases, norms settle, and the safety benefits grow.”

Ms Inman Grant said early feedback from age assurance providers has been positive, highlighting public education and preparation ahead of 10 December.

Platforms such as BlueSky and Lemon8 are cooperating with eSafety, which continues to monitor compliance and any migration to other platforms. Families can access guidance and resources via eSafety’s Social Media Minimum Age Hub.

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