Navigating the social media ban for teens: advice for families
29 November 2025
As young teenagers and their parents prepare for the introduction of the social media ban for under-16s, peak body for all psychologists, the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi), is offering practical advice to help families navigate the challenging transition.
AAPi Director and child psychologist, Daniela McCann, said young people would experience a range of strong emotions in the lead-up to and following the ban.
“This is completely normal - parents should expect some emotional turbulence as habits shift and routines change,” Ms McCann said.
“It’s important to know that most children adapt well with support. Parents don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is staying calm, staying connected, and helping your teen build confidence in other parts of their lives.”
Here’s a week-by-week guide to help families prepare, respond and support healthy adjustment through the school holidays.
1-2 weeks before the ban
Expected behaviours:
- Anxiety and worry: Fear about losing access, becoming preoccupied with “what will I do?” or “how will I talk to friends?”
- Bargaining and problem-solving: Attempts to circumvent the ban (e.g. asking parents to create accounts, researching VPNs, or creating alternate profiles).
- Irritability or defiance: Pushback against rules, more arguments about device use.
- Sadness or nostalgia: Teens may reminisce about favourite online moments, worry about losing digital memories or connections.
Parent strategies:
- Open conversations: Talk honestly about the upcoming changes, validate their feelings (“I know this is hard and feels unfair”).
- Collaborative planning: Help them save cherished content (photos, messages), and brainstorm alternative ways to stay in touch with friends (phone calls, group chats, in-person meetups; make sure these are established before December 10).
- Set clear expectations: Remind them of the legal and safety reasons behind the ban, and that social media providers will enforce the ban.
- Proactive scheduling: Start planning holiday activities and social events to fill the anticipated gap (write this on a board or calendar)
Week 1 (10–16 December): Ban begins
Expected behaviours:
- Withdrawal symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, restlessness, boredom, and sadness. Possible complaints of “nothing to do.”
- Grief reactions: Denial, anger, or emotional outbursts.
- Attempts to reconnect: May try to access social media through loopholes or alternate devices.
Parent strategies:
- Stay calm and supportive: Be extra patient, avoid shaming and acknowledge their distress while still holding the boundary.
- Encourage distraction: Introduce new hobbies, physical activities, or creative outlets. Consider family outings or projects.
- Monitor wellbeing: Watch for signs of severe distress or withdrawal from family/friends. If you are worried, contact Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.. Your GP can also provide support and referrals to a psychologist, if necessary.
- Alternative social channels: Help set up group texts, encourage phone/video calls, or facilitate in-person meetups. For people living in regional and remote areas, where personal meetups may be impossible due to distance, some digital options are still available, including Kids Messenger and WhatsApp.
Week 2 (17–23 December)
Expected behaviours:
- Persistent frustration: Teens may still be angry or sad, but the duration and intensity of episodes of high emotion may lessen. Teens may also make complaints about boredom or missing friends.
- Bargaining continues: May suggest “compromises” or plead for exceptions.
- Social comparison: Worry about missing out (“Everyone else is still talking online!”).
Parent Strategies:
- Routine and structure: Maintain regular sleep, meals, and activity schedules to reduce chaos and anxiety.
- Validate emotions: Continue to listen and empathise (“It’s normal to feel left out”).
- Encourage offline socialisation: Arrange meetups, group activities, or outings when possible.
- Skill building: Suggest learning or doing something new such as cooking, art, sports or volunteering.
Weeks 3 & 4 (24 December to 6 January) - adjustment period
Expected behaviours:
- Gradual acceptance: Mood should begin to stabilise, less intense withdrawal but possible lingering sadness or boredom at times.
- Exploring alternatives: Teens may show interest in offline activities, reconnect with old hobbies, or deepen family relationships.
- Resilient coping: Encourage teens to reflect on the positives you can both see (“I’m sleeping better,” “I’m less stressed”).
Parent Strategies:
- Positive reinforcement: Praise efforts to adapt and try new things.
- Encourage reflection: Discuss what’s been challenging, what’s helped and promote gratitude and mindfulness.
- Monitor for ongoing issues: If sadness, anxiety, or withdrawal persists, consider seeking professional support via your GP or other services.
- Family connection: Increase quality time together, such as games, outings and shared meals.
Weeks 5 & 6 (7 to 20 January)- Consolidation and longer-term monitoring
Expected behaviours:
- New routines: Teens settle into alternative ways of connecting and entertaining themselves.
- Improved wellbeing: Possible improvements in sleep, mood, attention, and relationships.
- Occasional nostalgia or FOMO: May still miss aspects of social media, but less frequent/intense.
Parent strategies:
- Sustain healthy habits: Keep up with routines, offline social opportunities, and positive reinforcement.
- Check in regularly: Continue open conversations about emotions, friendships, and challenges.
- Watch for persistent struggles: If your child remains withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, seek help from a GP or mental health professional (e.g. Headspace, local psychologist, school psychologist when school returns).
- Encourage autonomy: Support teens in planning their own activities, fostering independence and self-efficacy.
To find a psychologist near you, visit aapi.org.au/findapsychologist