10 December 2025
New social media age restrictions come into effect today. Here are insights from the ACS CEO, President and tech leaders on what this means for industry and online safety.
Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer:
“This week’s social media age restrictions mark a significant shift in how Australia approaches children’s safety online. ACS supports efforts to reduce harm to young people – but we also know that technology is a permanent part of their lives.
We need young Australians to feel both safe and empowered online. Banning social media will not be a silver bullet. We need to match strong safeguards with digital literacy, parental support, and ongoing collaboration between government and industry.”
Helen McHugh, ACS President:
“It is clear that online safety for children is a national priority. ACS has long advocated for responsible design and use of digital technologies, and we recognise the intent to protect under-16s from online harms.
Personal experience has shown how easily young people can be drawn into toxic online environments. The internet can connect children to people and influences that parents may not be aware of or able to control. Setting clear boundaries around device use is an important step in protecting children online.
We believe technology companies have the responsibility to act ethically and protect their users from harms that may occur on their platforms.”
Tom Worthington FACS CP, ACS Fellow, and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Computing at the Australian National University:
"We should be looking at how AI can help create kid-friendly alternatives. If kids are suddenly forced to go cold turkey, we’re risking some pretty severe mental health consequences. Overnight they lose their main way of connecting with friends, and for many young people that’s the only social connection they have. We could actually end up making things worse. There’s a real opportunity here to partner with tech companies to build a safer alternative, instead of cutting them off completely."
Dr Geethani Nair, ACS Membership Advisory Board Member:
“While I support the intent of the social media ban to protect young people, a hard on–off approach risks leaving them unprepared and more vulnerable at 17. What we need is a scaffolded transition, where platforms are designed with safety as a core feature, combined with schools and families actively building digital literacy, safety, and resilience from an early age. Protection without preparation isn’t sustainable — it simply delays the risk.”
– ENDS –
Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M – 0417 173 740
E – troy.steer@acs.org.au
About ACS
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 41,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.