From December 10, kids under 16 will no longer be allowed to hold social media accounts in Australia. It’s a world-first move that has parents divided, teens anxious, and platforms on edge. In this episode, we break down what the ban reallymeans for your family, how it will actually be enforced, and why it might be the biggest parenting shift of the decade.

KEY POINTS:
What the new minimum age legislation actually does (and doesn’t do)
How platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat will change for under-16s
Why the responsibility sits with tech giants—not parents or kids
The staggering fines for platforms that fail to comply
Why strong parental vigilance is still essential, even with new safeguards
How families can prepare for the “cold turkey” social media cut-off

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Legislation can move the needle, but it won’t change everything. That’s up to us as parents.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
eSafety Commissioner’s FAQs on the new legislation
The Screen Smart Series [2 x webinars]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Start conversations now—help your kids understand what’s coming.
Plan alternatives for staying connected with friends offline.
Revisit your family’s screen rules—this is the perfect reset moment.
Stay vigilant: legislation is a tool, not a replacement for parenting.

From December 10, kids under 16 will no longer be allowed to hold social media accounts in Australia. It&rsquo;s a world-first move that has parents divided, teens anxious, and platforms on edge. In this episode, we break down what the ban reallymeans for your family, how it will actually be enforced, and why it might be the biggest parenting shift of the decade.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What the new minimum age legislation actually does (and doesn&rsquo;t do)</li>
<li aria-level="1">How platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat will change for under-16s</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why the responsibility sits with tech giants&mdash;not parents or kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The staggering fines for platforms that fail to comply</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why strong parental vigilance is still essential, even with new safeguards</li>
<li aria-level="1">How families can prepare for the &ldquo;cold turkey&rdquo; social media cut-off</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Legislation can move the needle, but it won&rsquo;t change everything. That&rsquo;s up to us as parents.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">eSafety Commissioner&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/faqs">FAQs</a> on the new legislation</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/answers-with-justin-the-screen-smart-series-watch">The Screen Smart Series</a> [2 x webinars]</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Start conversations now&mdash;help your kids understand what&rsquo;s coming.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Plan alternatives for staying connected with friends offline.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Revisit your family&rsquo;s screen rules&mdash;this is the perfect reset moment.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay vigilant: legislation is a tool, not a replacement for parenting.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Ban That Could Save Our Kids’ Childhood

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/459b4e3f-2f27-4033-b27d-b364018822b0/transcript