1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings
- Your distress is real and valid. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, frustrated, or isolated. For many, social media is where friendships are maintained, interests are explored, and identities are expressed. Losing access is a genuine loss, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel it.
- Talk about it. Share your feelings with a trusted adult (like a parent, teacher, or relative) or a professional service like Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or headspace. They understand this is a major change and can offer support without judgment.
2. Prioritise and Maintain Your Key Connections
- Move important chats: The ban generally focuses on public-facing social media platforms (like Instagram, TikTok, and X), but messaging services can be exempt. Make sure you and your friends exchange contact details and shift your essential group chats to platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger Kids, or a private Discord server (if age-appropriate).
- Focus on IRL (In Real Life) connections: Use this as an opportunity to spend more time with local friends in person. Organise movie nights, plan outings, or find local youth activities. Nothing beats the mental health boost of face-to-face interaction.
3. Preserve Your Memories and Content
- Download your data now! Before your account is restricted or deactivated, save your photos, videos, posts, and important messages. The platforms are generally responsible for closing the accounts, but you don’t want to lose your personal history. Take screenshots and download content onto a separate device or cloud storage.
- Keep track of your favourites: Note down the names of your favourite content creators or accounts. You can check if they are active on platforms not affected by the ban (like YouTube, which may be accessible without an account for viewing) or if they have a blog, website, or email newsletter you can follow.
4. Explore Alternative, Age-Appropriate Spaces
- Look for non-restricted platforms: Apps primarily for messaging, online games, and education are often excluded from the ban. Kids Helpline’s My Circle is one example of a safe, private social platform that is exempt.
- Find new hobbies and interests: You might find you have more free time. Use this “digital detox” to explore activities you’ve always wanted to try, like a new sport, learning an instrument, drawing, reading, or volunteering. This can help unlock new passions and create new, offline social circles.
5. Remember: This is a Pause, Not a Permanent End
- Focus on the future: The new law sets a minimum age of 16. You will be able to rejoin when you turn 16. Use this time to think about the kind of user you want to be then—what good habits can you start now, and what pressures or content do you want to avoid in the future?
- Build Digital Literacy: Use this time to learn why the ban is happening (to protect mental health and reduce exposure to online harms). Gaining a better understanding of concepts like algorithms, privacy settings, and cyber safety will empower you for when you do return to social media.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to talk to someone right now, please reach out to:
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (Free call, 24/7)
- headspace: Call 1800 650 890 or chat online.
Image credit: Vitaly Gariev