We’re heading into a new chapter in the story between young people and social media. This past week we have become deeply concerned that many Australian children don't even know this is happening. From 10 December 2025, social media platforms will be legally required to block or remove accounts held by Australians under the age of 16. They’ll also need to use privacy-safe age-checking systems and give young people the right to download their data or challenge mistakes. It’s a

“I’m 16 but I look 14, so how will I get past the facial recognition? It estimates your age, and it will say I’m too young. Is there another way to confirm it, like a driver’s licence? Because social media is how I talk to all my friends, and I don’t use numbers.” This was an email I received this week. And it hasn’t left me. I could feel the panic through the text and the need for support. I received another 6 messages from this young person in the following hour through our

It started, as these things often do, with good intentions. One of the many Online Safety Educators that are popping up all over LinkedIn had seen something concerning online. We need to keep front of mind that we live in an attention economy where concern is currency. Outrage fuels algorithms and even posts intended as red flags often guide users directly to the thing they were told to fear. And not just kids. Adults too. We’ve seen it again and again: a new AI companion app