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Time-Sensitive Preparation

December 10, 2025: Your Family Preparation Checklist

Australia's under-16 social media ban takes effect on December 10, 2025. Use this checklist to prepare your family, protect your privacy, and ensure a smooth transition.

Your 6-Step Preparation Plan

Step 1: Know Which Apps Are Banned

What you need to do:

Understand which platforms your family can and cannot access after December 10.

Age-restricted platforms (banned for under-16s):

  • Facebook & Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Snapchat
  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • YouTube
  • Reddit
  • Twitch & Kick

Exempt platforms (still accessible):

  • WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram
  • Discord (currently exempt)
  • Gaming platforms (Roblox, Steam)
  • Messenger Kids

Action items:

  • [ ] Review the complete list: Which Apps Are Banned
  • [ ] Make a list of which platforms your teen currently uses
  • [ ] Identify which will be blocked on December 10
  • [ ] Discuss expectations with your family

Time required: 15-20 minutes

Step 2: Download Your Child's Data

Why this matters:

Once accounts are blocked, your teen may lose access to:

  • Photos and videos
  • Messages and conversations
  • Friend contacts
  • Memories and important content

What you need to do:

Download data archives from each platform before December 10. Most platforms take 24-48 hours to prepare your data file.

Priority platforms:

  1. Instagram/Facebook — Photos, messages, friend lists
  2. TikTok — Videos, comments, favorites
  3. Snapchat — Memories, friend contacts
  4. YouTube — Watch history, playlists, subscriptions

Action items:

  • [ ] Follow our step-by-step guide: Download Your Child's Data
  • [ ] Start downloads for all platforms (allow 48 hours for processing)
  • [ ] Save data files to a secure location
  • [ ] Consider using a password manager to organize access

Time required: 30-60 minutes (plus waiting time for data exports)

💡 Pro tip: Store downloaded data securely using a password manager:

1Password

$4.99/month (family plan)

Secure password manager perfect for families. Store data archives, login credentials, and important documents with military-grade encryption.

  • Family plan covers up to 5 people
  • Secure document storage (2GB per person)
  • Password autofill across all devices
  • Travel Mode protects sensitive data
  • Emergency access for family members
Learn More

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Step 3: Discuss Alternatives with Your Family

Why this matters:

Your teen's social connections matter. This isn't about isolation — it's about finding safer alternatives.

What you need to do:

Have an open, non-judgmental conversation about:

  • Why the law exists (government policy, not parental control)
  • How your teen can stay connected (exempt messaging apps)
  • Concerns about losing touch with friends
  • Offline alternatives and activities

Conversation starters:

  • "I know this change is frustrating. Let's figure out how you can stay connected to your friends."
  • "Which platforms matter most to you, and why?"
  • "What are you worried about losing access to?"

Action items:

  • [ ] Schedule a family meeting (allow 30-60 minutes)
  • [ ] Listen to your teen's concerns without judgment
  • [ ] Brainstorm alternative communication methods together
  • [ ] Review Safe Messaging Apps together
  • [ ] Set realistic expectations (no VPN workarounds)

Time required: 30-60 minutes (conversation)

Step 4: Set Up Privacy Tools

Why this matters:

Age verification will require sharing personal data. Protect your family's broader online privacy with the right tools.

Essential privacy tools:

1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Encrypts your internet traffic and protects your family's online privacy beyond social media.

Recommended

NordVPN

From $4.49/month (2-year plan)

Our top VPN recommendation for Australian families. Protect your entire family's online privacy with one subscription.

  • 10 simultaneous device connections
  • Australian servers in 5 cities
  • CyberSec blocks ads and malware
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Easy one-click setup
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We may earn a commission from this link at no cost to you.

See our complete VPN Comparison for more options.

2. Password Manager

Organize login credentials, secure data archives, and share family access safely.

Recommended: 1Password, Dashlane, or NordPass See: Tools Overview for detailed comparisons

3. Parental Control Software (Optional)

If your teen will use exempt platforms (Discord, gaming), consider parental controls.

Qustodio

From $54.95/year (covers 5 devices)

Comprehensive parental control software for monitoring screen time, app usage, and online activity across all devices.

  • Monitor all devices (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
  • Screen time limits and schedules
  • App blocking and web filtering
  • Activity reports and alerts
  • Panic button for emergencies
Learn More

We may earn a commission from this link at no cost to you.

Action items:

  • [ ] Sign up for a VPN (we recommend NordVPN)
  • [ ] Install VPN apps on family devices
  • [ ] Set up password manager for family
  • [ ] (Optional) Install parental control software

Time required: 30-45 minutes

Step 5: Review Safe Messaging Options

Why this matters:

Staying connected doesn't require social media. Messaging apps are exempt from the ban.

Recommended messaging platforms:

| Platform | Age Limit | Privacy Level | Best For | |----------|-----------|---------------|----------| | Signal | 13+ | Excellent (end-to-end encryption) | Privacy-focused families | | WhatsApp | 13+ | Good (owned by Meta) | Staying in touch with friends | | Discord | 13+ | Medium (community features) | Gaming and group chats | | Telegram | 13+ | Good (cloud-based) | Large group chats |

What's the difference?

  • Social media = public feeds, algorithms, followers, content discovery
  • Messaging apps = private, direct communication with known contacts

Action items:

  • [ ] Review our Safe Messaging Apps guide
  • [ ] Help your teen set up Signal or WhatsApp
  • [ ] Add emergency contacts (parents, family members)
  • [ ] Set privacy settings appropriately
  • [ ] Discuss boundaries and safety rules

Time required: 20-30 minutes

Step 6: Monitor the First Week

Why this matters:

The transition may be emotional. Your teen might feel isolated or frustrated initially.

What you need to do:

  • Be present and supportive in the days after December 10
  • Check in daily about how they're feeling
  • Encourage offline activities (sports, hobbies, in-person hangouts)
  • Help troubleshoot any technical issues with alternative platforms
  • Watch for warning signs of excessive distress or isolation

Warning signs to watch for:

  • Social withdrawal beyond the first few days
  • Excessive sadness or anger
  • Sleep disruption
  • Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
  • Attempts to circumvent the ban (discuss openly if this happens)

Support resources:

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 counseling)
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support)
  • eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au

Action items:

  • [ ] Block out time for family activities in the week after December 10
  • [ ] Plan in-person social activities for your teen
  • [ ] Keep communication open and non-judgmental
  • [ ] Seek professional support if needed

Time required: Ongoing through the transition period

Quick Summary Checklist

Print or save this quick reference:

  • [ ] Step 1: Know which apps are banned (15 min)
  • [ ] Step 2: Download your child's data from all platforms (30-60 min + waiting time)
  • [ ] Step 3: Discuss alternatives with your family (30-60 min)
  • [ ] Step 4: Set up privacy tools (VPN, password manager) (30-45 min)
  • [ ] Step 5: Review safe messaging options (20-30 min)
  • [ ] Step 6: Monitor and support through the first week (ongoing)

Total active time: ~2-3 hours Best started: At least 1 week before December 10

What Happens on December 10?

For platforms:

  • Must implement age verification systems
  • Must block accounts that cannot verify age 16+
  • Face penalties for non-compliance

For your family:

  • Under-16s will need to verify age (or lose access)
  • No parental consent override
  • Exempt messaging apps remain accessible
  • Enforcement will be gradual but increasing

Grace period? While there may be some technical implementation delays, don't rely on a grace period. Prepare now.

Stay Informed About the Social Media Ban

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Dive Deeper

Get detailed information on specific topics covered in this checklist.

Step-by-Step Guide

Download Your Child's Data

Platform-specific instructions to download photos, messages, and posts from Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook before access is lost.

Alternatives

Safe Messaging Apps

Complete comparison of WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and Discord. Learn which exempt messaging platforms are best for your teen and how to set them up safely.

Privacy & Security

Age Verification Guide

Understand ConnectID, facial recognition, government ID upload, and behavioral analysis. Learn what data platforms will collect and how to protect privacy.

Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Age verification requirements and enforcement may change. Always verify current requirements with official sources. See our Disclaimer for full details.