From today, Meta has started sending notifications to Australian users who appear to be under 16, telling them they now have 14 days to download their photos, messages and content before they lose access to Instagram, Facebook and Threads. This change is part of the new Social Media Ban, and while the intention is to keep young people safe online, the emotional fallout at home could be bigger than anyone expects.
Parents now have a fourteen day window to prepare, support and understand what this shift means for their child. And make no mistake, it is a significant shift. Social media is not a casual hobby for kids. It is their main social space outside of school. It is where they talk, laugh, fight, bond and feel connected. Removing that space suddenly can feel like being cut off from their entire friendship circle overnight.
Here is what parents need to know as the countdown begins.
What is happening right now
Starting today, Meta is sending in app messages, emails and texts to users it believes are 13 to 15 years of age. These messages warn that their accounts will be locked in 14 days unless they are 16 or older. During this time, young users can download all their posts, Reels, messages and memories so nothing disappears forever.
After the 14 day window closes, their access ends. From 4 December, Meta will block new under 16 accounts from being created and by 10 December, all known under 16 accounts will be removed completely.
Kids will still be able to use Messenger, but Instagram, Facebook and Threads will go dark for them until they turn sixteen.
If a teen is mistakenly flagged as underage, they can verify using a video selfie or Government ID.
Why this matters to parents
For today’s teens and tweens, social media is the new social space. It is the modern version of hanging out at the park, calling friends on the landline or catching up at the shops after school. Except now those conversations are constant and immediate.
This is the place where their friendships live.
So when Meta cuts off access, it is not just an app disappearing from their phone. It is their group chat, their support network and their social rhythm. It is the after school conversations they rely on, the shared jokes, the weekend plans, the circle of friends they look for when they feel anxious or alone.
Even if your child does not post much, you may be surprised by how heavily they rely on these platforms to stay connected.
The mental health signs to watch for over the next 14 days
As these notifications roll out today and over the coming days, parents should keep an eye out for the emotional ripple effect.
Sign #1: sudden changes in mood – You might see irritability, sadness, frustration or anger. This is not them being dramatic. These platforms hold a lot of their social confidence.
Sign # 2: social withdrawal – If they start avoiding friends or become quieter, it may be because they feel left out of online conversations they can no longer access.
Sign # 3: anxiety about school – Some kids worry about walking into school after missing the online chat. If they suddenly become reluctant to go, take it seriously.
Sign # 4: sleep changes – Stress often shows up at night. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be an early clue they are feeling unsettled.
Sign # 5: secrecy or workarounds – They may try to create new accounts or borrow details from older siblings. Secrecy is a sign they are feeling anxious or desperate to stay in the loop.
5 ways parents can prepare during this 14 day window
This two-week period is your chance to step in early, support them and soften the blow.
1. Talk about it before emotions rise. Do not wait for a meltdown. Bring it up calmly. Check if they got the notification. Let them know it is a government rule, not a punishment.
2. Acknowledge that this is a big deal. For adults it may feel trivial, but for kids it can genuinely hurt. Saying something like, I get why this might make you feel stressed or left out can build trust.
3. Help them save their content. Make sure they know how to download their photos, messages and videos. Losing those memories would only make things worse.
4. Encourage alternative ways to stay connected. Messenger is still available. So are in person catch ups. Help them move their group chats or make plans with friends.
5. Keep daily check ins casual and frequent. A simple, How are you feeling about everything goes a long way.
Why Meta says this process will not be perfect
Meta has openly said that age assurance at 16 is difficult and there will be errors. They are using the least intrusive methods first and will only request extra information if something seems wrong. They also want the government to consider app store level age verification to create a more consistent and accurate system.
The bottom line for Aussie families
This is the biggest social media shake up young Australians have ever seen. Notifications started today and the countdown has officially begun. Some kids will handle it fine. Some will feel relieved. Others will feel embarrassed, angry or left behind.
The important thing is that parents stay alert and supportive during these 14 days. Check in. Stay close. Understand that for your child, this is not small. It affects their friendships, their identity and their sense of belonging.
With your guidance, they will get through the transition, find new ways to connect and come out the other side feeling supported rather than isolated.
Fourteen days is not long, but it is enough to prepare them well.
