Social media and teenagers
Today, teenagers and social media are almost inseparable. It’s an integral part of most teens' lives, shaping how they connect and express themselves. It can be hard to keep up with fast-moving trends and emerging risks, especially if you’re not familiar with the platforms your teen is using.
These resources can help you better understand how and why teens use social media, its benefits and potential dangers, and how to use parental controls to keep your teen safe online.
Frequently asked questions about social media and teenagers
Most Australian teenagers use social media in some form, and it's become a central part of how young people connect, communicate, and navigate their social world. Understanding this can help parents approach conversations about social media with their teens more effectively. The key is helping teens use social media in ways that support, rather than harm, their wellbeing.
Social media offers many genuine benefits for teenagers. It helps them maintain relationships, explore identities, find belonging in online communities, and access support. Engaging with diverse content also aids in developing social skills and broadening perspectives. For many young people, these platforms are vital spaces for connection and development. Learn more about social media and teens.
While social media has many positives, there are genuine risks that parents should be aware of. This includes exposure to cyberbullying, harmful or inappropriate content, privacy and safety concerns, and the potential for excessive screen time to impact sleep, study, and face-to-face relationships. Some teens may also experience anxiety or depression related to social comparison.
Open, ongoing conversations about these risks, combined with reasonable boundaries, can help teens navigate social media more safely and confidently. Read more about social media and teens.
Digital wellbeing for your teenager means guiding them to achieve a healthy and sustainable balance with technology and social media. Strategies might include promoting regular screen-free time, setting sensible device limits at bedtime, and encouraging your teen to consider how their online activities impact their feelings both during and after use.
The ultimate aim is to help them cultivate self-awareness and healthy technology habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Read more about social media and teens.
Currently, social media is not banned for under-16s in Australia, though there will be some form of social media age restrictions in the near future. You can read more about the social media ban in this headspace guide.
In the meantime, check each app's specific terms of service and community guidelines to understand their policies around age restrictions, and have ongoing conversations with your teen about safe social media use.
Popular platforms among Australian teens currently include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Discord, though these trends can change rapidly as new platforms emerge. Rather than keeping track of every new app, the best approach is to maintain open, curious conversations with your teen about the platforms and communities they're engaging with. Learn more about staying up to date with social media.