As Australia prepares to implement new social media age restrictions from December 2025, young people are urging policymakers to prioritise their mental health. For many, social media is more than a digital pastime—it’s a vital space for connection, identity, and wellbeing.
In ARACY’s Young and Wise Social Media and mental health Online Roundtable, participants recognised that age restrictions could reduce exposure to harmful content and pressure, potentially improving mental health. At the same time, they highlighted key risks. Social media is often the only space where young people feel safe discussing mental health or seeking peer support.
To support mental health through this transition, young people are calling for:
- Preserving peer connection – online spaces are often where they find solidarity and support.
- Clear, youth-friendly guidance – helping them understand and navigate the rules safely.
- Digital and mental health literacy – especially through school-based education and trusted platforms.
- Tailored, accessible supports – government services must be anonymous, relevant, and trusted by young people.
- Balanced, empowering approaches – not just restriction, but education, co-design, and real options for support.
Without thoughtful, co-designed alternatives, these changes could unintentionally isolate young people and cut off crucial support networks.
To support a healthy transition, young people are calling for clear and youth-friendly guidance, mental health and digital literacy education, safe and trusted services, and approaches that go beyond restriction—centred on empowerment, inclusion, and real choice.
We thank the young people who generously shared their time, insights, and lived experiences to shape this important conversation.
ARACY’s Young and Wise Roundtables are supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program.
