Social Media and the Teenage Mind: A Guide to Supporting Teens Through Australia’s Under-16 Ban
Social media has become central to teenage life. For many adolescents, it’s where they connect with peers, explore identity, and express themselves creatively. But these platforms also carry psychological risks that can affect mood, cognition, behaviour, and relationships, particularly for vulnerable teens.
With Australia’s under-16 social media ban approaching, parents and caregivers need practical, evidence-informed strategies to support teens empathetically while fostering resilience, self-awareness, and safe online habits.
Teen Social Media Use in Australia: Context & Stats
Understanding how pervasive social media is among Australian teens can help parents anticipate challenges and support their children through the transition:
Nearly universal use: 96% of Australian children aged 10–15 have used at least one social media platform, and 98% of Year 10 students report regular use.
Popular platforms: YouTube (86%), Instagram (70%), Snapchat (67%), Facebook (75%). Girls are more likely to use Instagram and Snapchat, boys are more likely to use YouTube.
Time spent online: 38% of teens spend 3+ hours/day on social media, 29% spend 2–3 hours, and 24% spend 1–2 hours.
Wellbeing implications: Moderate use (1–3 hours/day) is generally linked to positive or neutral wellbeing, while high use (3+ hours/day) is associated with greater psychological distress and loneliness.
Exposure to risk: About 71% of children aged 10–15 reported encountering potentially harmful content. Many under‑13s access social media via their parents’ accounts, highlighting enforcement challenges.
Resources for parents:
Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Social Media
Teens’ brains and emotional systems are highly sensitive to online experiences. Understanding these impacts helps parents respond with empathy and guidance.
Cognitive Impacts
Social media can influence how teens think, focus, and process information. Key cognitive considerations include:
Attention and focus: Constant notifications and algorithm-driven feeds fragment attention.
Working memory load: Rapid scrolling increases cognitive load, reducing problem-solving.
Impulsivity: A still-developing prefrontal cortex can lead to impulsive online decisions, like oversharing.
Sleep disruption: Late-night use impairs memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
Emotional and Mood Impacts
Online interactions can strongly affect teens’ emotional wellbeing. Understanding these effects is crucial for supporting their mental health:
Reward dependence: Likes and comments reinforce external validation-seeking.
Social anxiety and FOMO: Exposure to curated peer content triggers stress and worry.
Emotional dysregulation: Cyberbullying or idealised portrayals can worsen irritability, sadness, or anxiety.
Chronic stress response: Persistent low-level stress affects mental and physical health.
Identity Formation and Self-Concept
Social media plays a key role in how teens explore and develop their sense of self. Parents should be aware of its influence:
Social media allows self-expression and peer feedback, important for identity exploration.
Upward social comparison can distort self-image and reduce self-esteem.
Teens may internalise unrealistic beauty, social, or lifestyle standards.
Social and Interpersonal Impacts
While social media connects teens, it can also create challenges in offline relationships:
Peer dynamics online may include exclusion, bullying, or pressure to conform.
Overreliance on online connections can hinder offline social skills.
Teens using social media as a primary support network, especially marginalised teens, may risk isolation if access is removed.
Comorbid Mental Health Risks
Some adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social media. Awareness of these risks allows parents to provide targeted support:
Anxiety and depression: Overuse can worsen symptoms or trigger episodes.
ADHD: Impulsivity may amplify compulsive scrolling.
Eating disorders or body image concerns: Exposure to idealised images can trigger unhealthy behaviours.
Social phobia or low self-esteem: May lead to withdrawal offline and overreliance on online validation.
Long-Term Impacts
Frequent social media use can have lasting effects on cognitive, emotional, and social development:
Cognitive: Reduced sustained attention and multitasking fatigue.
Emotional: Reliance on external validation undermines emotional resilience.
Social: Limited face-to-face interaction may impair relationship skills.
Behavioural: Risky online behaviours can have ongoing consequences.
Positive Uses and Moderation
Not all social media use is harmful. Understanding its benefits helps parents promote balanced engagement:
Supports creativity, learning, peer connection, and identity exploration.
Moderation matters: 1–3 hours/day is generally associated with better mental well-being.
Parents can encourage balanced use, reinforcing positive outcomes while mitigating risks.
Developmental Considerations
Teens’ age and developmental stage influence how they experience social media and the ban:
Early teens (12–14): May struggle more with self-regulation, emotional responses, and understanding online risk.
Older teens (15–16): More able to reflect on consequences and regulate behaviour, but socially invested in online networks.
Strategies should be tailored to developmental stage.
Barriers to In-Person Socialising and How to Support Teens
Many teens face obstacles to offline social interaction, which can make the transition from social media challenging.
1. Geographical or Environmental Barriers
Rural location, limited local peers, transportation challenges.
Support: Bridge online-to-offline connection via supervised video calls, community programs, or shared transportation to activities.
2. Social Anxiety or Shyness
Fear of judgment or conflict can limit face-to-face engagement.
Support: Gradual exposure, structured small meetups, role-playing, and guided group activities.
3. Peer Group Limitations
Online communities may not exist locally.
Support: Connect teens with local interest-based groups and collaborative hobbies aligned with their passions.
4. Mental Health Challenges
Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem can limit motivation to socialise offline.
Support: Structured social activities, safe routines, and professional support for coping skills.
5. Screen Reliance and Habitual Patterns
Teens accustomed to online connection may struggle to initiate offline interactions.
Support: Gradual social media-free periods, planned offline activities, and cooperative goal-focused hobbies.
The Under-16 Social Media Ban: Psychological Considerations
From 10 December 2025, platforms must prevent under-16s from maintaining accounts.
Teens may feel relief from cyberbullying or compulsive use.
Some may experience grief, frustration, or isolation.
Parental support is crucial to help teens build offline coping skills and resilience.
Strategies for Supporting Teens Empathetically
Parents can foster resilience and healthy adjustment by combining empathy, guidance, and practical strategies:
Validate Emotions: Acknowledge frustration, sadness, and relief; encourage creative expression.
Co-Create Alternative Connections: Offline clubs, sports, volunteering, or safe online forums.
Build Emotional Regulation Skills: Mindfulness, grounding techniques, creative or physical activities.
Empower Agency: Let teens choose meaningful offline activities; encourage goal-setting.
Maintain Open Dialogue: Regular check-ins about feelings, challenges, and successes.
Recognise Individual Differences: Adjustment varies; consider vulnerabilities and avoid comparisons.
Transition Planning: Gradually reduce social media, backup content, and establish routines.
Digital Literacy & Safety: Teach critical thinking, privacy, and online safety.
Parent Self-Reflection: Examine your own habits and expectations; model healthy tech use.
Professional Support: CBT, DBT skills, or family therapy for emotional regulation, anxiety, and relationship support.
Parent Checklist
Daily:
Validate feelings; ask about emotions regarding social media.
Encourage offline social or creative activity.
Model healthy digital habits.
Weekly:
Check mood, sleep, and social connection.
Plan offline social or extracurricular activities.
Reflect on what’s working and challenging.
Ongoing:
Foster mindfulness, coping skills, and hobbies.
Maintain empathy while promoting resilience.
Seek professional support if anxiety, depression, or withdrawal persists.
Final Thoughts
Social media profoundly influences adolescent cognition, emotion, and social development. While the under-16 ban in Australia presents both protective opportunities and emotional challenges, parents can support their teens through empathy, structured guidance, and practical strategies.
Take action today: Start by acknowledging your teen’s feelings, exploring offline social opportunities, and setting small, achievable goals for building resilience. For ongoing support, connect with us for personalised advice.