Suicide Prevention Australia, the national peak body, has launched a new online resources page to help young people, parents, carers, teachers, and health professionals navigate the newly implemented under 16s social media age restrictions.
From 10 December 2025, new national laws are in place to restrict account creation and use of many social media platforms for Australians under 16 years of age. As these changes may feel significant and even daunting for some families and young people, Suicide Prevention Australia has developed a resources page with clear information to help facilitate a smooth transition and reduce potential distress.
The new resource page brings together practical, age-appropriate information developed by leading organisations on child and youth well-being. It is designed to help people understand what the changes mean, what may stay the same versus what may change, and the many ways young people can continue to stay connected and supported.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray, said the goal is to ensure communities feel informed, prepared, and hopeful.
“This is a huge transition for many young people across Australia. Change can be challenging, particularly for young people who rely on digital spaces to connect, create, and communicate.
“Our focus is on making sure children, teens, families, and educators have clear facts and practical guidance. This resource hub has been developed to help people understand what to expect, explore healthy ways to stay connected, and know where to turn for help if things feel difficult,” said Ms Murray.
The resource page includes:
- Key facts about the new age restrictions and how platforms will implement the changes.
- Guides for young people on preparing for the transition, staying connected, coping with mixed emotions and exploring alternative ways to express themselves.
- Support for parents and carers, including tips for starting conversations, validating feelings, monitoring wellbeing and planning new digital routines.
- Tools for teachers and health professionals to support diverse responses among young people and promote digital wellbeing.
- Help-seeking information and links to reputable services, including Headspace, Kids Helpline, ReachOut, Beyond Blue, and others.
Ms Murray said the resource page is a valuable tool to promote safety, connection and reassurance during a time of change.
“We want young people and the adults who support them to know they’re not facing this transition alone. There are many ways to stay connected socially, creatively and emotionally — both online and offline — and help is available for anybody who needs it.”
In addition to these resources, Suicide Prevention Australia remains committed to reducing risk for Australians affected by the ban and welcomes open dialogue with any platform implementing restrictions.
“We’ve been having constructive discussions with Snapchat about its transition and approach to safety and suicide prevention. It’s a positive sign that Snapchat is engaging proactively to minimise potential harms and support young people and families.
“We encourage any impacted platform to do the same — we’re always available to provide advice on suicide risk and help ensure suicide prevention is central to decision-making,” said Ms Murray.
The resource page is available now on the Suicide Prevention website under ‘Resources’ and can also be found through the link here.
ENDS
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Amelia Hew 0410 591 134 or ameliah@suicidepreventionaust.org
Alex Pursehouse 0423 196 136 or alexp@suicidepreventionaust.org
