HOW PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE SOCIAL MEDIA BAN HITS
- Charlotte Bolt
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Australia’s upcoming social media ban for under-16s is about to turn parenting into a contact sport.
From December 10, major platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit, will be required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.
For parents, that means not just pulling the plug on apps but helping their kids navigate what feels, for many, like a social crisis.
According to child safety and wellbeing expert Associate Professor Lesley-Anne Ey from the University of South Australia, the ban is only half the battle. The real work begins at home.
Why do kids care so much
Many children and teens use apps like Snapchat and TikTok to connect with their friends.
"They’ve grown up with this technology, it’s part of who they are, and they’re used to communicating through videos, emojis, photos and filters,” says Assoc Prof Ey.
“When the ban kicks in, kids may feel like they’re facing a social penalty where they won’t be able to connect with their friends in the same way.
“The fear of losing touch with friends is real, so parents will need to invite questions and show understanding and empathy about what their kids will see as a loss.
“Brainstorm alternative ways to stay connected. If they enjoy TikTok dances, an app like Just Dance could be a suitable alternative. If they want to chat, consider using closed group chats or messaging apps. If they enjoy gaming, look for multiplayer games where they can connect safely.
“Supporting kids through this is about empathy, and keeping the lines of communication open.”
Talking it through – without losing your cool
Assoc Prof Ey says parents should start by explaining why the ban exists and reinforcing the importance of online safety.
“Parents should talk with their children about online safety, why it’s important to protect personal information like your full name, address and passwords; who it’s okay to connect with; and how to behave kindly and respectfully,” she says.
“They should also teach kids to think before they post anything – photos, comments or information – because once something’s online, you can’t take it back.”
And when it comes to those impulsive posts or snarky comments?
“Young brains are especially vulnerable to social media because they crave peer feedback and attention.
This makes them more likely to take risks or react quickly without thinking about the consequences.
“Encourage kids to ask ‘Would I say this to someone’s face?’ or ‘Would I show this to my mum?’ before posting or commenting. If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s probably not appropriate.”
Safety first, not ‘Nanny State’
The ban has divided public opinion, with critics calling it overreach.
But Ey says it’s a necessary step. “The social media ban isn’t ‘safetyism’, or evidence of a ‘Nanny State’; it’s an essential move to protect kids from online predators and risks,” she says.
“Parents should educate themselves about the platforms and games their kids use so they can have informed conversations. Non-judgemental, ongoing dialogue is essential.”
With online bullying, coercion and sextortion on the rise, she says the danger is real and the timing is right.
Practice what you preach
Children imitate what they see, so it’s not just about what parents say; it’s what they do.
“Avoid excess screen time yourself and set up screen-free times for the whole family, like dinner and bedtime.
This makes boundaries predictable and shows your kids what a healthy balance looks like,” says Ey.
“Connect with your kids. Show them how you can have fun together, whether it’s board games, movie nights, or taking advantage of daylight savings for a bike ride after dinner.
“The convenience of screens and social media has caused havoc.
Perhaps we all need to rewind the clock and remember what life was like before the advent of screens.
It’s time we took control, for our sake, and for the safety and well-being of our kids.”
What parents can do right now
• Get informed: Keep up with new platforms and apps, and know where your kids are spending time online.
• Educate: Talk openly about online safety, privacy and what to do if something feels wrong.
• Stay open: Encourage regular conversations about what they see and feel online.
• Empathise: Validate their frustration and explain that the rules are about safety, not punishment.
• Model balance: Set family-wide screen-free times and keep your own habits in check.
• Set routines: Establish predictable tech-free times, like meals or bedtime.
• Offer alternatives: Help kids find healthy offline outlets, sports, music, or even just hanging out with friends IRL.
The bottom line
When the social media ban arrives, kids will need reassurance that life without TikTok or Snapchat doesn’t mean the end of their social life, just a new way of living it.
And for parents, it’s a chance to reclaim something screens have quietly stolen: real connection.
