When “Logging Off” Feels Like Withdrawal: Helping Kids through Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Restriction

From December 10, new legislation in Australia will require major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, X and YouTube to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. Australia is the first country to introduce such a ban, which is framed as a protective measure, rather than a punishment.

The responsibility for enforcing age restrictions sits with social media companies, not children or their families. There are no legal penalties for parents if young people find ways around the system. However, children who use social media daily may still feel real distress when their access disappears. Psychologically, this discomfort can look similar to withdrawal.

Although we often associate the word “withdrawal” with drugs, any behaviour can feel addictive when it interferes with everyday functioning. Heavy social media use can become compulsive, driven by the dopamine-reward loop of likes, scrolling and constant peer contact. Platforms are intentionally designed to tap into the human reward system, so these reactions aren’t “kids being dramatic,” they’re responding to a sudden loss of something that has been stimulating their brain daily.

Withdrawal can appear in different ways:
• Emotional distress such as irritability, sadness or anxiety
• Restlessness or boredom, especially if social media was their default activity
• Loss of connection, because many young people use these platforms to maintain friendships
• Cravings or rumination, including constant thoughts about checking updates
• Sleep disruption, particularly if social media was part of their nighttime routine

Parents can support their children through this transition with a few key strategies.

Validate their experience. Acknowledge that this change is significant and it’s normal to feel upset. Talk openly about what they’re worried about and what they’ll miss. Emphasise that this is not punishment. It is a “not yet,” not a “never.”

Create a structured plan. Help them prepare, including downloading their data before accounts are disabled. Work together to build a replacement routine with hobbies, creative projects, reading, physical activities or learning a new skill.

Build new rituals for connection. Encourage alternative ways to stay in touch with friends such as calls, messaging apps, or regular offline meetups. Support them in developing an identity outside digital spaces and celebrate achievements in real-world activities, helping shift validation from external likes to internal confidence.

Teach coping strategies. Mindfulness, journaling or simple breathing exercises can help manage anxiety. When urges to “check” arise, use healthy distractions: going outside, drawing, listening to music or engaging in their chosen offline activities.

Keep an eye out for signs the transition is becoming overwhelming, such as persistent sadness, changes in sleep, social withdrawal or mood shifts. In those cases, consider involving a mental health professional or contact crisis supports like Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Beyond Blue website, BeyondBlue.org.au/mental-health/youth or Headspace.org.au.

The cutoff date may feel like a difficult ending for some young people, but with guidance and reassurance, it will become easier.

The information provided is from Better Together Community Support. This advice may not suit your personal situation and therefore cannot substitute real psychological advice. Please consult a professional if this has raised issues for you.