Australia's landmark social media ban for children under 16 has triggered a wave of distress among vulnerable young people, with crisis service Kids Helpline reporting a surge in calls from suicidal, isolated, and highly distressed teens.
Crisis Contacts Reveal Profound Impact
In the first three weeks after the ban took effect on December 10, 2025, counsellors at Kids Helpline handled almost 100 contacts explicitly linked to the new restrictions. Service manager Leo Hede revealed the calls painted a concerning picture of young people cut off from crucial support networks.
"One young person had cited that they had used online tools and social media as a way to manage urges for self-harm and were concerned about not having that access to a tool," Mr Hede said. Others shared deep fears about losing long-term digital friendships and feeling severed from communities where they found connection, particularly those with mental health issues or learning difficulties.
Parents Face Escalating Conflict at Home
The fallout is not confined to teenagers. Kids Helpline has also fielded calls from concerned parents dealing with "increased conflict, meltdowns, distress, and regressive behaviours" in their households. Mr Hede reported instances of children hiding devices, emotionally shutting down, or refusing to engage with family.
"The highest emotional distress came from help seekers aged between 10 and 14, with females and neurodivergent children disproportionately more affected," he noted. A poignant example involved a 12-year-old with an autism diagnosis and bullying issues, who saw platforms like YouTube as vital for learning and combating loneliness.
Expert Warns of Dopamine Withdrawal
Flinders University social media expert Dr Lisa Harrison expressed sympathy for parents tasked with enforcing the ban during the school holidays. "I really feel for parents having to enforce it as well, because, there's science around the dopamine hits that they get with being online," Dr Harrison said. She described the sudden removal of these communication channels as a significant challenge for families navigating entirely new emotional dynamics.
The ban currently encompasses ten major platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, Twitch, Snapchat, Reddit, and Kick. While an eSafety Commission spokeswoman stated platforms are cooperating with data requests, some children have already bypassed age-assessment technology.
Government's Next Step: Digital Duty of Care
As the Albanese Government monitors the ban's initial impact, its next focus is enacting a Digital Duty of Care. This proposed legislation would compel the online industry to take stronger action to protect users. A consultation on the reform closed in December 2025, receiving over 1300 responses now under review.
Communications Minister Anika Wells is expected to soon release data from the platforms showing how many accounts have been deactivated. This reporting is mandated for the first six months to assess compliance and effectiveness.
eSafety urges children and families seeking support or information to access their dedicated social media age restrictions hub.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
