South Australian families now have access to a new, practical tool to help children navigate one of the most significant online safety reforms in Australian history. The SA Government has partnered with the Carly Ryan Foundation to launch the Social Media Transition Guide—an accessible resource designed to support parents, carers and schools as the country introduces minimum-age restrictions for social media use.
The national reforms, coming into effect on Wednesday, will prevent social media companies from offering accounts to anyone under the age of 16. The legislative model follows the recommended framework prepared by former High Court Chief Justice, the Honourable Robert French AC, at the request of Premier Peter Malinauskas. It is a shift that positions Australia as a global leader in child online safety, while acknowledging that families will need support as young people adjust to the new reality.
Available free on the Carly Ryan Foundation website, the Transition Guide gives families clear strategies to help young users step back from social media safely and with confidence. It breaks down what the new age restrictions mean in practical terms, offers advice on preparing children for upcoming changes, and provides emotional tools to help manage disappointment, anxiety, fear of missing out and peer pressure. The guide also outlines alternative ways for young people to stay connected offline and provides direct links to reporting channels, including eSafety, law enforcement and platform-specific escalation pathways.
Premier Peter Malinauskas says this week marks a turning point for Australia, stating, “This is a consequential week for our nation. From Wednesday, social media giants will no longer be able to provide accounts to our children under the age of 16. This is a sensible step to protect our children from harm, and I am proud that this endeavour began here in South Australia. We recognise this transition is a significant one for many families. We also know the evidence shows that any short-term challenges will be greatly outweighed by long term benefits for our kids. This Social Media Transition Guide is a useful resource for parents to help their children adjust and encourage healthy human connection.”
Education Minister Blair Boyer reinforced South Australia’s leadership in online safety, saying, “South Australia has been leading the nation in protecting our young people. Often the greatest challenge is how we get the attention of young people to tune in to important safety issues. Nothing is more powerful than the stories told by people that have lived through these nightmares. I’ve known Sonya for more than a decade and I know first-hand how important her work is.”
Carly Ryan Foundation founder and CEO Sonya Ryan OAM said families are already expressing concern about the impact of the reforms on children’s daily lives. “Families are telling us they feel overwhelmed. Many children are about to experience sudden changes to how they communicate, socialise and participate online. This Guide steps families through that transition with care. It helps them understand the reforms, set healthy boundaries, and support their children emotionally as they adapt to the new rules. These reforms will only succeed if families feel supported. The Transition Guide is designed to reduce confusion, empower parents, and help children feel safe and secure throughout the process.”
Get the social media transition guide here.
